Homemade DIY cheap arrow cutting saw!

[@TinkerTime]

Cost me nothing to make. You saved me time and bow money! Thank you for sharing sir!

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Thank you so much for commenting sir! I only share because I love every part of my life, and if there is a little something of value, I will definitely pass it along. Happy hunting!

[@Whitetailpursuer]

Thanks for posting. Genius idea on how to cut your own carbon arrows!

[@wayneashby5030]

Thanks! Great simple jig! For a first (and only) arrow-shortening rough cut, if the arrow is angled enough (by hand) to avoid hitting the rotary tool, a diagonal cut could then be made at the place that will allow the next and final cut to be made normally. No need to make "several" arrow-shortening cuts first. That would help speed up the cutting process and minimize the total amount of carbon fiber dust too.

[@philipsturtivant9385]

Just ferzackerly the kinda solid, lo-budget advice and teaching I was looking for :-) I salute you, and I commend your better half for her steady hand on the camera !

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Philip Sturtivant Thank you so very much for the kind words. My wife is very patient fortunately LOL!I am sincerely glad that this low dollar design could provide a little bit of inspiration. I hope yours turns out even better!

[@philipsturtivant9385]

@@micro-pigoffroadclub8387 Update. Last weekend I made my own (even lower-dollar) design. Yours is Toyota-production-line by comparison, mine closer to Fred Flintstone territory, but with electricity instead of dinosaurs. I successfully shortened a coupla dozen arrows in abut half the time it took to build the rig. Then I had a moment of inspiration (with one arrow left to cut). I took 6 inches of duct tape (the original 'Dark Matter' that holds the universe together), and used it to lock in place - just next to the cutting disc, and away from the operator - the open end of the hose from our vacuum cleaner, so that all the carbon dust other viewers have commented on, just gets sucked away from the operator, and safely bagged - instantaneously. And if you power the vacuum cleaner* and the Dremel from the same multigang extension, you can switch the two devices on and off simultaneously from a single switch. * ADVISORY: Before adapting the vacuum cleaner it may first be necessary to seek the permission of your steady-handed camera operator. This viewer will not be held liable for any consequence ensuing from failure to observe this advice.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Philip Sturtivant That’s fantastic! Doesn’t matter how fancy as long as it works!

[@andrewmcfayden6347]

Good work. Turns out I have the tools to make this… I am just starting out in archery so, thank you from Australia Victoria.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Glad you found some value in this video. The saw is simple but it works fantastic. Just make sure you wear a dust mask or something when you use it, or put a vacuum nozzle just behind the blade to catch the dust.

[@gerodaniel7160]

Genious idea! Always the simplicity is the right key for these kind of solutions. :)

[@JamesEiholzer]

Hi I just wanted to let you know, I have just built my arrow saw similar to yours. I was so glad to come across your video. It has been of the most help. I used a piece of 1x6x4 and the rest is the same. I had a Dremel and attached it. I have already cut a dozen arrows that I was waiting to have done at the pro shop. Now I have done and can do myself. thanks again. Great tip and easy build.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

James Eiholzer Thank you so much for taking a moment to reach out and share your experience. I’m glad that the design worked well for you and I’m sure your version is excellent! Shoot straight and stay safe my friend.

[@MusicMinisterJP7]

Great innovations friend. I was considering using my dremel tool to do this, and here you had the idea already. Well done.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Thank you! It is a simple design, but it works very well.

[@dmc31405]

Great way to innovate with items you already have a around the house. May I suggest a dust mask in an effort to prevent the inhalation of carbon fiber dust.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Thanks. I also encourage exercising caution when it comes to particulate inhalation.

[@bradforddemond6187]

Brilliant! Just what I was looking for! Thank you!

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

It’s a little bit rough, but it works! Sure hope it helps.

[@adamfernandez8258]

Thanks for the video, exactly what I was looking for.

[@Tom-uy3lt]

Awesome. Can't wait to make my own!

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

I’m really glad this helps you out brother. I have been cutting arrows with the same saw ever since I built it. To be fair, I recommend taking your vacuum cleaner or shop vac and sucking the carbon away from the cutting wheel while you trim down those arrows. Definitely don’t want you to breathe in anything that could cause harm.

[@kaleyfantastic]

you could probably get straighter cuts if you put the saw on a moving block. cut grooves and make tracks with a router. then keep the arrow still and slide the cutter.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

I appreciate the comment! There’s definitely room for improvement on this saw, but I built it pretty quickly to get the job done. The straighter cut is not a problem with this design because once you swing the arrow in, it’s cutting at its shortest point on the inboard side. Once the nook is set and you rotate the arrow, it turns the outboard longer cut to the inboard position. The difference was only .027 inches and once the arrow was rotated against the side of the abrasion wheel, it was true. Plus, when you slide the insert down into the shaft, it’s easy to see that it is cut pretty square with this configuration.

[@toddchester5966]

I use the same set up. I use galvanized conduit clamps to hold my dremel tool in place

[@boondockwzrd]

this is amazing, thank you for posting this! would have never thought to use my dremel

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Michael Gallagher Thank you sir! I enjoy sharing my Wins as well as my losses with anybody who might enjoy. This one was a win LOL

[@janlassen6101]

If you read this... What kind of cutting wheel is it? For metal use?

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

It has no teeth, it is likely intended for metal and cuts with abrasion. The wheels are very thin and break easily. But cheap!

[@janlassen6101]

@@micro-pigoffroadclub8387 Thanks for the reply! I have some.... Time to build the arrow cutting machine.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

@@janlassen6101 Awesome, it will definitely work! This video is a couple of years old, but I just cut some arrows a week ago with the exact same set up as I have in this video. Simple and reliable!

[@janlassen6101]

​@@micro-pigoffroadclub8387 Yeah, it seems to work really good in your video. Bought too many 20 inch carbon Crossbow arrows on amazon. Cutting some down to 16 inch.

[@Bossnitaly]

Lol...Like the engineering...i see harbor frieght has a mini square saw the would be perfect for you set up....nothing like doing your own arrows...keep up good work, God bless

[@mikewratten9035]

Way to go Tommy can I suggest that you move your holding blocks back a little so you cant saw all the way through the shaft that way you will have a hard edge for rotation. Great work.......

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Mike Wratten thank you for the suggestion brother and thanks for watching. The saw definitely has room for improvement but it works pretty well in its rough form. the friction discs wear out really fast so to get multiple arrows out of a disc you have to stay into the cutting wheel a little bit. I tried it with just the tip of the wheel touching the edge of the shaft and because those little discs wear so fast you only get a few cuts out of a disc before it is too small a diameter to pass through. I'll probably mess with it some more and experiment with your suggestion on my next set of shafts. I also need to put aluminum angle in the Valley of the blocks. when you rotate the carbon shaft against the wood there is friction and it doesn't turn as smoothly as I would like.

[@richandkidarcheryandoutdoo4372]

@@micro-pigoffroadclub8387 try a bit of wax

[@wayneashby5030]

@@micro-pigoffroadclub8387 If you use a diamond coated cutoff wheel instead, they seemingly last forever and create a very smooth cut with a lot less dust.

[@HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors]

Well done sir, I appreciate you two taking the time to make this video, looks like a perfect solution for cutting your own carbon arrows from the house. thanks again and have a blessed week. Dale

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Thank you very much for watching and taking the time to comment. I love doing as many things as possible by myself rather than having somebody else do it. I'm a believer that anybody can do anything, it just takes sharing ideas. Have a very blessed day yourself!

[@theyshouldhavenamedmefishe7860]

What size blocks did you use? Making them out of 2x4s doesn’t work

[@garywells3874]

Nicely done - thanks

[@laatdovahkiin7405]

I was thinking about this earlier today when I was checking out my new Gold Tip Hunter shafts and so here I am seeing if any one else had the same idea. Seems to work fine. 🍻 Cheers from Canada. Lol

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Thanks buddy for taking the time to leave a comment. It's very simple, but works very well! Every single one of my shafts are exactly the same length. Throw one together!

[@MrPantaloon3000]

Made something very similar myself .... nothing better than some diy

[@Hitswing808]

Thank you sir! Much appreciated.

[@dennisbarringer930]

Awesome idea Tommy looks like it works really well. Thanks for sharing the knowledge.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Dennis Barringer thank you so much. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. I have had to learn pretty much everything on my own because where I lived at that time was a long way from any Pro Shops. Now where I live is even further! I've come to embrace the idea that if you want to you can do anything. now I do all of the bow tuning for my family friends and Neighbors. Who knows maybe my own shop at some point?

[@davetighe]

Excellent, but isn't the carbon dust dangerous, maybe have the vacuum cleaner hose by the cutter 👍

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Absolutely brother. This was a brand new experiment when I made this video. I have a tiny shop vac I use to catch dust.

[@JamesEiholzer]

One more thing. I did add a clamp for putting on my vacuum hose to suck up the carbon dust.

[@brucehillbillybarthalow3786]

I've been wanting a saw,looks like I'll get one.Thanks man

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Simple can still be effective brother! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment

[@adamslater4592]

Sent a like your way because you made me laugh when you said you’ll be the same size till you start to shrink when you get old. Ha. Nice.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Adam Slater thanks lol!

[@michaelhaworth8317]

Great video. Building mine today. Thanks

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Michael Haworth thanks! There's definitely ways to improve this design but as simple as it is it works. Good luck!

[@brianbender8752]

So for the throat of the Nock measurement you used the block to hold the knock at that measurement

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

The block is positioned further back on the scale to give an actual measurement from the throat.

[@brianbender8752]

@@micro-pigoffroadclub8387 ok so your yard stick is lined up with the throat the block is just there to hold the knock still I see

[@scottkunz5431]

Great idea, thank you for sharing.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching!

[@krisjohnson9606]

How is this for Aluminum shafts ?

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

I personally have not owned aluminum shafts, but the abrasion wheel is made for metal as well as composites. I would think it would be no problem if you are patient, and slow while you cut.

[@dogshoe21]

Awesome, I'm gonna have to steal your design and make one myself!

[@dogshoe21]

Lets make a easy DIY tool for removing the arrow inserts, im trying to brainstorm the best method...

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

I have a hard time with this as well because I usually use Gorilla Glue. I'm going to try a less aggressive glue to see if I can perfect my method of removing the inserts. As it is right now, I usually stick a drill bit with the blunt and down in the back end of The Arrow shaft where the knock is. I then swing it so that the centrifugal force makes that drill bit smack the back end of the insert to push it out. If I do just two drops of glue instead of going all the way around, there's usually enough Force to push the insert back out without mushrooming the backside. Sounds like I need to do a video LOL

[@mocknugget]

Hotmelt will do

[@mikeguy9668]

@@dogshoe21 take your nock out and put a drillbit in the shaft and swing it down so the bit hits the insert. Works extremely well, just do it in the garage or outside so the wife don't get mad when you sling an insert and drillbit 100mph through the house lol

[@mikeguy9668]

@@micro-pigoffroadclub8387 I just read your comment and saw I said the same thing as you lol. Sorry man

[@b_aleman]

Really cool

[@michaelws6247]

Awesome job! Time to break out the Dremel

[@martinstrang8310]

Hi there, am looking to make this myself! what are the size of the right angled blocks please?

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Martin Strang the size of the blocks are not critical but more so relative to the height of the cutting blade after the tool is installed on the table. These were simply cut from one by two Pine Lumber which would be about three quarters of an inch thick.

[@martinstrang8310]

Thomas Post Thanks, I made one! It works ok after a couple of position changes for the multi tool!;

[@5MinuteMaj0r]

What does carbon fibre dust taste like?

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

That’s funny stuff! At least once a year I can count on somebody making the very same comment. I am definitely not a proponent of breathing in or eating the carbon fiber dust. The saw was brand new And I made a couple of cuts for the video. I normally have a shop vac strapped right behind the cutting blade.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

I just rely on my Covid mask these days lol.

[@mitchellmarlow7305]

This is great. Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Mitchell Marlow Thank you sir! Not fancy, but it does do the job.

[@mattbarton362]

Nice set up.i think you mite want to use pipe clamp or a hose clamp to hold your dermal in place better.safey first.but over all nice set up

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Thanks man! This was a long time ago and my set up has definitely improved over time.

[@darkpitt59]

Good works ...bellissimo adesso lo costruisco

[@mikekupetsky6879]

I do the exact same thing except you can actually take about 2" off at a time so your not breathing all that carbon dust

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

I usually do lay the hose of a wet dry vac behind the blade when I cut. Just didn't do it in this video. I understand the risk of breathing carbon, but to be honest none of it even comes your way. The rotation of the blade is throwing the carbon behind the saw and unless you have a fan blowing it right back in your face you're not breathing any significant amount. Driving around a big city and breathing in smog is going to kill a lot more people than this will.

[@bloodruststaples]

Can you use a handheld tubing cutter, like one used for brake lines on carbon arrows? I was cautious and didn't do it because I didn't want splintering or breaks, but I need like 2 1/2 inches off of mine. Short draw because of T-Rex arms and all.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Unfortunately the tubing cutter will not work. I suspect that if the cutting wheel were sharp enough it would definitely cut the shaft but because you have to crank it tightly I suspect it would separate the fibers under compression.

[@galdruslock6371]

I have a dremel and I figured I'd do that now that I see it works time to build the brace 😁

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

It seems very simple, but it is also very effective!

[@LeungMac]

it can be improved. the saw can have the "flexible shaft" work as a conveyer, so you can put the blade in the exact same place, but the saw out of the way, so you dont have to cut many times.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Fisher Leung great suggestion. I've never seen a flexible shaft

[@mikeguy9668]

Flexible shaft? 🤣 🤣 🤣 now explain how a crooked shaft will turn. Jesus man

[@Dutch.1722]

Do you square the ends afterwards?

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

You don’t need to when you cut them radially against the backstop. As long as you turn the shaft and it touches the wheel, it will cut square on its own.

[@ImHereForPearlJamVid]

only thing i would recommend is taping the nozzle of a shop vac right at the cutting area to catch the dust, otherwise this is a primo setup.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Absolutely my friend. This thing was just freshly built when I made this video. It has evolved since then. I definitely understand the hazards with inhaling the carbon dust. No worries.

[@ImHereForPearlJamVid]

i just got the same exact cutting tool from amazon aka china express yesterday, will be making this rig this weekend!

[@ImHereForPearlJamVid]

Did it. Works like a charm. Thanks again!

[@knightingalesaid]

Great idea!

[@ZimmerDrugs]

Really enjoyed the video. I am trying to learn more DIY stuff so I’m not so reliant on stores and archery pros. That being said, I don’t have a rotary tool (planning on getting one), can you provide the exacts on the blades you used? You mentioned they were friction blades, but I am a newbie to rotary tools and want to make sure I get the right blades for the job.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

ZimmerDrugs I purchased my rotary tool on eBay. If you just look up electric Dremel rotary tool you will see a bunch of options. Don't be scared to look for a cheap Chinese one lol. I promise you it will come with an assortment of cutting wheels and I believe you'll probably get about 50 of them in your pack. I don't know how to describe them specifically but they are only about an inch in diameter, black in color, they feel like fine sandpaper and are brittle. You can crack them in half if you bend them.

[@ZimmerDrugs]

Thomas Post thank you!

[@ianfrid7998]

Nice one Tommy - Local shop charges $2 a shaft. Will pay for itself in no time.

[@juansaydeflores890]

what kind of blade did you use on the rotary tool? a wood or metal blade cut saw?

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Juan & Sayde Flores I'm pretty sure it was intended for metal. They are black in color, thin and cut with friction. They buzz right through an arrow.

[@kevintraynor2749]

that is exactly the same setup as mine except my dremil is red lol, works great

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Simple and effective!!

[@autopeep24]

Thanks

[@TheRandyxx75]

I have pretty the same set up I made years ago, just remember you need to square the end folks

[@larryshively8194]

How did you get the dremel perfectly square ??

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Larry Shively I drew a line with a straight edge as a guide. I work with micrometers and precision measuring devices for a living but totally not necessary in this case. as long as the 2 pedestals to spin the arrow shaft on are straight, nothing really needs precision alignment. since the shaft is being " spun" while moving into the blade it automatically cuts flat.

[@triggerguard1]

@@micro-pigoffroadclub8387 sounds like you're a machinist who's ran a lathe before....LOL. It takes some folks a while to wrap their head around that concept, but it is absolutely true.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

GrizzlyMtn Thank you sir! I did make every effort to get the cutting wheel as square as possible, but you’re right, it’s hard for some to wrap their heads around the factThat it doesn’t have to be perfect to still get a perfectly square cut. God bless!

[@albertdebolt1315]

Nice Tommy. Looks alt like mine lol.. Good job.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Albert DeBolt Thanks buddy! It went together kind of quick but I needed it when I needed it LOL. Even if everybody already knows what to do, I still enjoy sharing my experiences and thoughts because I'm so passionate about archery. Keep shooting and stay safe my friend!

[@billhanson827]

Tip: Add a vacuum cleaner to capture cutting dust as carbon fiber gets everywhere and breathing it in during and after cutting can become a health hazard if inhaled.

[@fishingolf]

Bill Hanson agreed. Good idea with the tool but graphite dust is very harmful.

[@TheNutzandBoltz]

You have reading glasses, you are already old. lol Nice DIY, I would do my own dental work if I could, I'm guessing you would too.

[@SheepDog7071]

Not a bad setup at all brother American. Good old American Ingenuity...

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Thank you brother! That's what happens when you live on a mountain and you can't just run to a local Pro Shop. When you say All-American, I love the sound of it. It is pretty primitive but very effective. I just cut, inserted, and Custom fletched a brand new set. They are picture perfect and weigh exactly the same within a fraction of a grain.

[@mattbarton362]

I my self use a band saw on a sliding gig table

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

That’s cool. What type of blade are you using? I’m just glad to see people brave enough to cut their own. As long as you can measure, it’s really not that hard.

[@Tradbow85]

Seriously heading to store now

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

TormundClash right on!

[@briancullen5183]

Vacumm ?

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Yes, I use a shop vac.

[@FernandoPeralta003x]

Amazing

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Thank you for the comment! It is a cheap but effective tool. I definitely recommend protecting yourself from the dust that comes from cutting the arrow but it does work. Why pay a shop $2 per Arrow when you can easily cut them yourself? Thank you again

[@normandocaban1817]

Excellent video, BUT......Safety first, put a vacuum cleaner next to the cut off section, so that carbon dust doesn’t go on to your clothes and into your lungs.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

I agree. I was pretty excited to show that it worked when I made the video. I normally use a vacuum or do it outside with a small fan blowing the carbon dust away from me.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

If there is no vacuum available, I would suggest a Covid mask! If it keeps us safe from the virus, it should definitely keep us safe from carbon dust.

[@gandalf2256]

Thanks for this video mate, very helpful. #FJB #Trump2024

[@dogshoe21]

Ok i did it, I copied your idea and made my own. My goal was do make it with whatever scraps i had laying around and recycle wood and screws from other projects. Total cost was $1.47 for the yardstick. I'll have a video up soon. I also came up with a cool way to get the inserts out. I have that video posted

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

dogshoe21 that's awesome! What's your video link or title?

[@dogshoe21]

Ok, i recorded a quick video and posted it on my channel... and yes, my work bench looks like crap but, i dont enjoy cleaning a cold garage and the weather finally is warm enough to get back to it!

[@TheOlddoggie]

Smart!

[@Flux_Flow]

FYI, I see a lot of people doing this online but I have heard it's VERY BAD for your lungs to breathe carbon fiber dust. I would use a shop vac to suck that dust up as you are cutting just for safety sake, also safety glasses are a plus.

[@haroldmistler5195]

You should be wearing a good dust mask when you cut carbon

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Yes thank you. I have a vacuum that normally sits behind the blade. This video was made indoors but prior to the vacuum I usually would cut outside and the played naturally spins the cut debris away from the saw to the back.

[@Thestripper1]

Before you do any more cutting - install a vacuum! Carbon dust is very bad for you, even if you are a tuff guy...

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

Wear a corona mask! It will certainly protect you from carbon dust as well. I can certainly appreciate the push for safety, but if there are people cutting their own arrows, I would assume they would have the sense to make their own decision.

[@Thestripper1]

@@micro-pigoffroadclub8387 A "corona mask" will not filter out carbon dust. Airborne carbon dust will also settle on your skin and go in like thousnads of micro porcupine spines. They will not come out. People can make their own decisions but in this case the decision is not made out of sense, it's ignorance.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

@@Thestripper1 Feel free to live your own life. If you took time to read the rest of the comments on this post, you would see that I advocate for a vacuum system. As mentioned, if people are willing to cut their own arrows, I would have to assume they are intelligent enough to consider safety precautions.

[@Thestripper1]

@@micro-pigoffroadclub8387 Why would you assume that?

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

@@Thestripper1 Because if they don’t have the common sense to consider the risk of airborne particulates, they shouldn’t be touching any type of saw at all! This video was intended to show how a few dollars worth of supplies could make an arrow cutting saw. As with all things in any type of industry, there is research and development. Products, especially homemade products can be elaborated upon at the builders discretion. Aside from that, this is still America. My body my choice right? I see videos on base jumping that can easily take a persons life, but I would not choose to do it. At the same time, I don’t comment on their videos telling them how to pack their parachute. Thanks for your comments by the way And have a blessed day.

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

Xlnt, thanks

[@henryfredette6735]

That is not a Dremel.

[@micro-pigoffroadclub8387]

What’s your point?? Does “rotary tool” make you happier?

[@henryfredette6735]

@@micro-pigoffroadclub8387 Not happier, but it is accurate.

[@jkgkjgkijk]

7 years late but wear a mask when dealing with that stuff. I'd keep a hepa vac at the cut as well. It's like tiny razor blades in your lungs 🤒🫁

[@MrEye4get]

Nicd rig. Please wear a mask or have a vacuum running when cutting carbon fiber.

[@garrettromer8499]

This set ups trash as well