Graphite shaft cutting recommendation?

[BirdieBob]

On 4/24/2022 at 3:09 PM, Howie said:

I need to trim 1/2" from the butt end of a graphite shaft. Question for the clubmakers/club techs- what cutting device would you recommend, if any, for such a job assuming one doesn't have a band saw, etc.? Unsure if there is a common "cutting implement" that would be able to cut through graphite and not cause collateral damage to the shaft?

 

Thanks.

 

Tape around the portion to be uncut, then use a fine tooth hacksaw.

[High Plains Driver]

My order of preference:

Chop Saw

Dremel with cutting disk

Hacksaw with grit blade

 

You can use a fine toothed hacksaw blade with light draw strokes, but I have a grit blade so I have never tried it.

I would never use tubing cutters on graphite. The tool was designed for cutting steel/aluminum tubing, not graphite.

[Twebby123]

On 4/29/2022 at 8:18 AM, Stuart_G said:

 

I've used tube cutter on graphite shaft during desperate times.    Yes they can work but you can't use them the same way you would on steel.   You have to use a lot less pressure of the wheel against the shaft or else you'll get splintering on the inside when you get close to the end.   That means small adjustments to the screw and many more turns to get the job done w/o damaging the shaft.

 

Still, not recommended for most, particularly not for the impatient.

Can you tip shafts with a pipe cutter?

[mogc60]

27 minutes ago, Twebby123 said:

Can you tip shafts with a pipe cutter?

On graphite? Absolutely no way ever! 

[Stuart_G]

16 hours ago, Twebby123 said:

Can you tip shafts with a pipe cutter?

 

For steel yes - if it's one of the smaller ones.   

 

It's not impossible with graphite, but if done slowly enough to not damage the shaft, it's a complete waste of time.  The wall thickness of the tip is way larger than the butt end so will take a LOT longer.  So if you want a cheap tool, low tech method, it's faster and much less likely to damage the shaft to just use a hacksaw blade by hand.

 

Edited July 25, 2024 by Stuart_G

[Birddog2]

On 4/24/2022 at 7:05 PM, Billfitz said:

Wrapping with tape first to prevent the fibers from splintering is more important than the tool used.

  The truth, you speak