If you’ve ever used a carbon arrow, you’d agree that they are probably one of the best hunting arrows you can get. Sadly, they sometimes do not come in the right length. When that happens, you have two options.
First, you could walk into a shop and have a Professional cut it for you for a fee. Or you could read this article and find out how to cut carbon arrows in the comfort of your home.
There are several reasons why you should know how to cut your carbon arrow yourself.
So, what would you need to do that? Let’s find out.
Materials For Cutting
First off, cutting arrows at home isn’t a cavalier activity. You’re going to pay real attention to the task, and you’re going to need a lot of tools. Here are some of the materials you’d need to cut carbon arrows in your home.
- Carbon arrows
- Clamps (any mounting tool is okay)
- A cutting tool. It could be a Dremel tool, a tile saw, a flat file, a drill, or a pipe cutter.
- A measuring tape or a ruler
- Sandpaper
- Gloves
- Dust Masks
- Safe goggles
- Dust masks
Before you start cutting the arrow, there are some things that you must know. The first is that cutting carbon fiber arrows will expose you to carbon fiber dust. This dust is harmful to your eyes and nose if inhaled, so you need to wear a mask while cutting.
You should also not do this near electrical appliances, as carbon fiber dust can easily cause short circuits.
You may probably think all of this is a bit much, but you should know that workers wear masks even when making carbon arrows. When cutting, you’re going to be exposed to about the same level of carbon fiber dust as they are, so it’s only smart to wear a mask as well.
Step 1
The first thing to do before cutting is to decide what arrow length is right for you. And this depends on many different factors like your draw length, your bow, your type of arrow rest, and your arrow rest position.
After determining your ideal arrow length, measure your arrow against a ruler or with a measuring tape, and then mark the cutoff point. If you’re a beginner, mark a little further from your cutoff point because you may make a mistake and have to cut again. There should always be a tiny margin for error. You can always make a longer arrow shorter, but you cannot make a short arrow longer. So it’s better not to hit the mark than to exceed it.
Step 2
The next step is to decide what sort of tool you’re going to use. The safest arrow cutter to use, especially if you’re a novice, is the arrow saw. It’s the best arrow shaft cutter there is. However, this tool can be complicated to find. If you can’t find it, you can use other cutting tools like a drill, pipe cutter, file, or a saw.
Now that you’ve decided what length you want to cut your arrow to, and you’ve also decided what tool to use, let’s get to the cutting proper. Below are the steps you’ll need to take with each of the cutting tools that may be available to you.
File
Using a file to cut a carbon arrow is simple; however, it does require a lot of patience and hard work. All you need to start is to use the file to make small and controlled cuts on the arrow’s shaft. As you’re making the cuts, make sure to turn the shaft to ensure that it cuts around the circumference completely.
After cutting the arrow, you’d notice that what’s left has a sort of slender surface. To even this out, use the end of the arrow to draw circles on a flat surface.
Drill Or Pipe Cutter
Like the file method, this method is also straightforward. However, since you’re working with a drill, it can also be dangerous, so you must be extra careful.
To cut, insert the shaft into the hole. Make sure it doesn’t fit too snuggly, and there is still some room. Cut gently, and ensure that the shaft’s pressure isn’t enough to break the whole thing. If you feel the pressure isn’t enough during cutting, you can adjust it. However, the pressure should never be too much.
It takes around six to eight cuts of spinning for the cutter almost to cut the arrow. When it gets to this point, remove the shaft and snap the cutoff part away yourself. This will give you a smooth cut, and it will also stop the cutter from damaging the shaft. Afterward, use a file to even out the shaft to make sure it’s smooth.
Saw
The steps here can be used with any saw, whether it is an arrow saw, tile saw, or a Dremel tool. To start, look for the point you’ve already marked on your arrow. After that, adjust the saw and make sure the blade touches the marked part of the arrow gingerly— make sure the saw’s entire weight doesn’t rest on it, as this may crack the shaft.
Next, start the saw blade and then attach the opposite end of the shaft to drill. Make sure that it spins the same way as they saw. This way, you’d not have to spin with your hands. All through this, remember to apply light but consistent pressure on the shaft so that the blade will produce a clean cut.
Step 3
After you’ve cut the arrow, make sure you use sandpaper to smooth out the edges of the cut you’ve just made.
FAQs
Must I Rotate The Arrow Shaft As I’m Cutting?
If you don’t want a nasty cut, then yes. If you don’t rotate the shaft, the cut won’t be even, and you’d have to do it all over again.
Why Should Too Much Pressure Not Be Applied When Cutting?
If you apply too much pressure to the shaft, it may splinter and render the entire thing useless. You surely wouldn’t want that.
How Do I Determine My Ideal Arrow Length
It’s relatively easy. Take a measuring tape, and stretch it out to your side with your non-dominant hand. Fully extend your non-dominant hand, so it stimulates a bow, and then use your dominant hand to pull the tape towards you. Pull the tape and simulate the handling of an arrow. After you’re done, mark the length on the tape you were able to pull and add about two inches to it. That’s your ideal arrow length.
Can I Cut Arrows Used For Compound Bows?
Yes. These methods can work for all kinds of arrows.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has taught you how to cut carbon arrows in the comfort of your home. If you follow all the steps here, you should be able to cut your carbon arrows smoothly.
