How to Cut Carbon Fiber Archery Arrows

In the sport of archery, there are several choices for arrows. The original arrows were carved from wood and, over time, have been developed with technology into state-of-the-art equipment. To increase the straightness tolerances and durability of arrows for better accuracy, Easton developed the first carbon fiber arrow in 1983. Today, most arrow manufacturers offer several types of carbon fiber archery arrows that come ready-to-cut. There is a specific process required for cutting carbon arrows to ensure consistency.

Things You'll Need

  • Soapstone
  • Safety glasses
  • Arrow saw and vise
  • Chamfer stone
  • Cotton swab
  • Isopropyl alcohol, 91-99 percent
  • Arrow squaring device
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach a full length arrow shaft to the bow string and pull the bow to full draw. Allow at least one inch of the arrow to extend beyond the rest. Use a soapstone to mark the arrow where you want it cut.

    • 2

      Put the carbon fiber arrow in the arrow vise by turning the vise handle clockwise. Adjust the arrow saw to the proper length. Set the saw worktable so the saw blade is aligned with the mark on the shaft. Put on safety glasses and turn on the saw. Make sure the nock of every arrow is firmly pressed against the backstop before cutting the shaft. Cut the arrow shaft and repeat the process for every arrow.

    • 3

      Use the chamfer stone on the arrow. Lightly chamfer the inside of the shaft to remove any burrs that occurred during the cutting process. Dip a cotton swab into 91 to 99 percent isopropyl alcohol and clean the inside of the shaft. Repeat as necessary until the burrs have been removed and the shaft is clean.

    • 4

      Place the arrow into an arrow squaring tool. After cutting the arrow, the end may not be square, which can negatively affect accuracy and performance when a broadhead is installed. Turn the arrow on the arrow squaring tool to grind the end of the shaft to make sure the broadhead and shaft are aligned for optimum performance.