Best tool for cutting graphite shafts?

[GolfSavage]

Ok, as the title asks, what is the best tool for cutting graphite shafts? I have an angle grinder, hacksaws, various knives, machetes, axes, a circular saw, and a chain saw. I figure at least one of these must be suitable!

Is there a certain method for cutting graphite shafts? Is it better to wrap the end being cut in masking tape before cutting? What else do I need to know before potentially ruining a shaft?

[coralpro]

Originally Posted by GolfSavage

Ok, as the title asks, what is the best tool for cutting graphite shafts? I have an angle grinder, hacksaws, various knives, machetes, axes, a circular saw, and a chain saw. I figure at least one of these must be suitable!

Is there a certain method for cutting graphite shafts? Is it better to wrap the end being cut in masking tape before cutting? What else do I need to know before potentially ruining a shaft?

Get a cutoff blade for your angle grinder and that will work well. Just wrap some masking tape around the shaft first as it will minimize fraying from the shaft. Golf Works has a tip section on preparation and installation if needed.

[JPsuff]

.


I have a standard, run-of-the-mill bench grinder with your basic two grinding wheels. The grinding wheels are a bit less thansix-inches in diameter. What I do is buy an abrasive cutoff disc which is six and one half-inches in diameter. I attach the cutoff disc to the outboard side of one of the grinding wheels, (the right side, because I'm right-handed), and it sticks out 1/2-inch higher, (more or less), than the grinding wheel.

When I cut a shaft, I mark it with a sharpie, and then I simply spin it against the cutoff disc on the grinder, When the excess falls away after cutting, I take the butt of the shaft and smooth out any irregularities and burrs on the other grinding wheel and I'm done. Having the cutoff disc attached to a bench grinder basically makes it a one-stop-shop for shaft cutting and prep. I can even rough up the tip end, (on steel shafts), prior to assembly. Everything happens at one station and there are no separate chop saws, sanders, grinders or what have you.

Just one lil' ol' bench grinder and that's that.

Take a look:



This is how the cutoff wheel is mounted to the grinder.



This is how the shaft is held to cut it.



This is how the end is dressed.

The whole operation takes less than ten seconds.


-JP

[Stiofan]

Originally Posted by GolfSavage

Ok, as the title asks, what is the best tool for cutting graphite shafts? I have an angle grinder, hacksaws, various knives, machetes, axes, a circular saw, and a chain saw. I figure at least one of these must be suitable!

Is there a certain method for cutting graphite shafts? Is it better to wrap the end being cut in masking tape before cutting? What else do I need to know before potentially ruining a shaft?

I use a simple roto tool and zip it off above some masking tape.

[SCDrJ]

I have the "cut-off saw" from Golf Works, and it's great, and pretty cheap.

[drstroud]

I use a "rod saw" in my hacksaw. Basically, it is a round blade.

[GolfSavage]

Thanks for the advice, guys!