Arrow / Tube / Pipe cutting jig

thingiverse

This is a custom-made tube cutting jig designed for precise cuts. I recently created one to cut arrows and discovered it could also produce square cuts in other types of tubing with ease. However, the initial version was not highly adjustable, prompting me to create an improved version. Thankfully, it turned out well. For achieving perfectly clean cuts, the secret lies in cutting the arrow lightly while rotating it as it approaches the blade. This technique guarantees a precise cut every time. You can customize the SCAD files to suit different grinder or rail profiles if needed. If you're experiencing difficulties, feel free to reach out for assistance. The spacer proved to be incredibly useful during the process. Although I managed to match the grinder mounts accurately (one required some tape), they didn't sit flush on a surface. To resolve this issue, I realized that my machine could create the exact shim needed, eliminating any further problems. I don't see myself building another one of these jigs in the future, but if I were to recreate it, here are the changes I would make: 1. The slot for the standoff should be wide enough to accommodate an M6 bolt and knob from the start. Unfortunately, I made a mistake initially, forcing me to use some spare screws instead. When adjusting for blade wear in the future, I'll need to use a screwdriver. I've updated the SCAD and STL files that I've uploaded, so they should work correctly. 2. If I were to rebuild it, I would likely opt for a sturdier rail, as the 1mm aluminum is quite flimsy. To improve its stability, I might add extra stand-offs or reinforce it in some way. 3. After assembling the jig, I found it challenging to verify that the blade was perfectly vertical. In a future build, I would probably incorporate a feature to make this check easier (maybe by printing a separate jig).