Working with carbon fiber toggles

[Spaceman]

I have some carbon fiber arrow shafts that I would like to use to make some toggles. I haven't worked with carbon fiber before and could use some recommendations for getting clean cuts at each end. I tried a tubing cutter that you typically use with copper pipe. It gave me a nice square cut but the edge is a little rough. I might be able to debur it with a Dremel. Instead of the pipe cutter, maybe a cutoff wheel on a Dremel while the shaft is held in a bench vise. Would appreciate any suggestions.

Also, I'd like to drill a small hole towards one end of the toggle to put in a small loop of cordage. Was thinking of grabbing a cheap drill press from Harbor Freight but am not sure what drill bit would work best. Anyone tackle this project before?

[apsilon]

I've always just used a fine tooth hacksaw and wrap the end with masking tape (either cut right against the tape or through it). Tape is supposed to help prevent it splintering. Let the saw do the cutting, don't apply a lot of pressure and support it at end before you cut through. Ends are usually fine and a quick twist on some fine sandpaper (500 - 1000 grit) cupped in your palm to ensure it's smooth.

Never tried drilling it though but if I did I'd use masking tape again and drill through the tape.

[Mr. Gillam]

I come from an archery background and have know people to use a Dremel. This works if you don't require precision. Good luck.

[skater]

Yep, I used a Dremel cutoff wheel. Works fine.

[MikekiM]

+1 for Dremel Cutoff wheel

Lightly sand the cut end to a small chamfer (light so you don't raise the CF fibers on straight laid shafts) and then put a dab of CA glue on the cut ends.

For MSH use, I tie a knot in the of a short length of micro cord, insert the knot into the end of the toggle and glue it in place so I can tie the toggle to the end of the tree strap.

[rhjanes]

I stopped by my local hunting/archery shop, explained what I wanted. He knowingly nodded, reached into his box of "Scrap" shafts. he had a small electric saw. Think of a trim saw that the carpenter would use. ZING ZING ZING ZING ZING ZING .... "Here's six....is that OK?". He wouldn't even take any money "They were just going in the trash anyway".

[Stubbed my toe]

I stopped by my local hunting/archery shop, explained what I wanted. He knowingly nodded, reached into his box of "Scrap" shafts. he had a small electric saw. Think of a trim saw that the carpenter would use. ZING ZING ZING ZING ZING ZING .... "Here's six....is that OK?". He wouldn't even take any money "They were just going in the trash anyway".

I hear in Texas, this also works for Brass toggles from spent shell casings.

[No-sage]

I use a dremmel.

Be carefull not to breathe the dust.

[apsilon]

Be carefull not to breathe the dust.

Was going to say the same thing for anyone who goes the Dremel route. That'll throw the dust around a lot more and I imagine it's pretty bad stuff to have in your lungs.

FWIW the saw archery stores use is toothed so produces a coarser, heavier "dust" that I imagine would fall out of the air fairly quickly (though if I was doing that daily I'd still have at least a dust mask on) whereas a Dremel cut off wheel is basically a tiny grinding disc and produces a lot of fine dust that could stay airborne longer.

[rhjanes]

I hear in Texas, this also works for Brass toggles from spent shell casings.

yep, so many shell casings, sometimes people trip on them while walking in downtown Dallas.