My new method for squaring arrows

[shafferm]

I found another use for my Lee case trimmer, it works great for squaring arrows. The main two sizes of arrows that I make are 2219 and 2213 aluminums, the 2219s measure right in at .308" inside diameter. The 2213s measure around .318" diameter. This works out great with my case trimmer and insert for .30-06 rifle cases as it measures around .304" diameter. I have an 8mm insert on order for the 2213s and may need to sand it a bit to fit. Just insert the case trimmer into the end of the arrow once it comes off of the saw and with a couple of twists it makes for a very square arrow shaft.

The cost is pretty low as the trimmer runs about $8 and the .30-06 insert costs about $6. Great for assembly of new arrows and quite a bit less than some of the other commercial options out there. Haven't tried it on carbons as I am still mainly running aluminum. Perhaps someone else would like to give carbons a try and see if it works for them as well, or not. Here is a picture of the Lee trimmer setup for squaring 2219s.

[hankenhunter]

Well done! How tight does the guide fit in the shaft?
Hank

[robertyb]

I had been wondering about this myself. I have several trimmers laying around.

[newbie]

Nice work! I think its wrong tool for carbons though.

[Kegbelly]

Great idea! I think it would work fine for aluminum, but I think the cutter blades might be a little coarse for carbons.

[Michiganhunter]

Excellent idea. Very creative.

[shafferm]

Hank,

The 2219 in the photo with the .30-06 trimmer has .004" total clearance or .002" per side. If you go too tight you get great alignment at the trade off of not being able to easily spin it. I may try one that is oversize and sand it down to tighter tolerances.

[shafferm]

The cutter blades are quite sharp tool steel, the question I would have would depend on the lay of the fibers in the carbon shafts. If it could cleanly cut them or if it would try to grab and pull them instead.

[j.krug]

That's a great idea. That's using the old noggin man.