Is there a particular method or tool for cutting graphite rods/blanks to length? I would like to cut an old 2 piece graphite fly rod and make it into a 4 piece using broken sections from other old rods for ferrules, but am concerned that I won't be able to make a nice clean cut and will end up a raggedy edge of split fibres. (I fly from Australia to New Zealand for fly fishing and airlines are getting a bit difficult these days about accepting luggage of the dimensions of 9' two piece rods). Any help or ideas would be appreciated.

Hello,

For that task I use either a mini chop-saw or right-angle Dremel tool.

They are equipped with cutoff wheels sized to the blank being cut.

A few layers masking tape is wrapped around the intended cut area.

Then, with the blank is supported on either side, the cutoff wheel is slowly lowered into the tape and through the blank.

-chad

[www.harborfreight.com]

I remove the blade and guard and replace the blade with a 3 inch thin kerf abrasive cut off wheel.

[www.harborfreight.com]

The abrasive wheel will cut virtually anything very cleanly and with a nice clean edge.

I have one of these mini chop saws. I removed everything on the top of the cutting surface, and sanded the surface smooth to be free of any raised markings.
Then, I used a piece of 1/4 inch by 1/4 inch angled aluminum to be a new back stop for chop saw 90 degree cutting. After attaching the angled aluminum at 90 degrees to the cut off wheel, with the bottom edge facing toward the back of the saw, I turned on the saw and made one pass to make a nice clean cut through the aluminum angle to be the backstop for all chop cutting.

I use this small saw for all sorts of cutting and chopping in the rod shop. To be more stable, I attached it to a large block of wood with rubber feet on the bottom to be stable without being clamped down.

I use this mini chop saw to cut blanks, piano wire, foam arbors, reel seats, etc. etc. etc.

Good luck



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/02/2015 08:51AM by roger wilson.

If you use a backrest that is 90 degrees to the cutting wheel the it will not be square due to the taper of the blank not being taken into consideration.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

There was an article in a past issue of RodMaker where graphite blanks were cut by all the popular methods and close ups of each resulting cut shown. Some result in less or no splintering. Lots of ways to do this.

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To get a square cut when using a fence or right angle guide, you have to build up the blank forward of the cut with some winds of tape to remove the taper.

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i have had no problem using a dremel tool with a cutoff disc.
rog