Are saw guides a real must have?

I need to shorten the length of a steerer on some 1 inch forks and wonder if saw guides really are a necessity for a one off job?

use an old stem

Good call, thanks

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Fantastic, you've saved me a few bob tonight,
Ta

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Or your eyes and hands. Cutting a straight (enough) line isn't difficult.

ah yes, I get you. I did so when fitting my BB this weekend.

Use 2 jubilee clips about 2mm apart and cut between them that ensures a nice straight cut. Defiantly file off after too.

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Because using the right tool, for the right job is so hard:
http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/steerer-and-bar-cutting-guide-tool.htm

Use a pipe cutter. Depending on quality of cutter you might be able to cut it fully or just score a groove for the saw blade to start in and follow.

pipe cutter would not work for carbon

If it is a threaded fork, put on a nut before you do the cut - when you take it off afterwards it will deal with any crud in the threads where you cut them.

And consider using a grinder (with a 1mm cutting disk). They are way cooler than using a saw, or some manual tool.

Personally, when cutting forks, I use pink sellotape to ensure my cut stays on track.

You're determined for me to spend that budget.
Good price.
Just purchased.
Ta

1" quicklock barbell collar.

I've used various ad hoc methods (mostly using an old, steel HS) and whilst they do work, a proper guide is so much easier.

NB There is a spacer between the guide plates, which you need to remove if not using a thicker, carbon specific blade (see the reviews).

Thanks.

So I am looking to achieve this...

but my shim is exactly the same height as my stem so I am wondering if i have to take a couple of mils off my shim too?

1 Attachment

don't cut any shim

Assemble forks in aheadset, add spacers to desired height, then wind a bit of masking tape on the fork, about where the stem top will locate; plop the stem on top and mark the taped fork with a biro. This is your overall height. As you have noted you'll want 2 mm space beneath that to enable the top nut to pull up the forks into the bearings for a snug fit (pre-load).
Remove the stem, put a mark 2mm down on the tape - this is your cut point.
Use any of the saw guide methods mentioned above, plus de-burring/dressing of cut inside and out.
Don't get any filings anywhere near the bearing assemblies!
Remove the tape.
Wipe your arse when you've had a shit.
Remember to breathe, in, and out, regularly...
..no, not through your mouth

I'm sorted. Got the tool that Scilly.Suffolk suggested and trimmed the shim and cut the forks. Its worked a treat.
Thanks for bearing with me on this gents. Its taking nice shape.

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First time I've done it and it was a piece of piss. Have to say that the correct tools made me feel far more confident.
Fitted the Super Record brakes too, again easily, apart from I got them the wrong way round.
I think a lot of it is in the tools.