In a message dated 7/5/03 10:49:10 AM, jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net writes:
<< Of course, one can take the crude approach and just attack the thing with a
hacksaw, but I'm thinking many on the list may have some techniques and
tricks to share for getting an even cut, avoiding damage to the steerer
threads, and getting the length just right. Any suggestions would be
appreciated. >>
Morning Jerry,
Although I know folks who do without (and I too in the distant past), a cutting guide is a wonderful tool to own. In addition, the cutting guides for threaded forks usually clean up the threads for you when you remove them.
As for the process (before cutting), measure the head tube and add the stack height of the headset. This gives the minimum length the steerer tube can be...."darn, I cut it twice and it's still too short!!
Has the head tube been faced? Always a good idea as well as cleaning up the fork crown (if this hasn't been done) which requires yet another tool! Unless you already own the tools, or wihs to buy them, it's certainly much less expensive to have a competent (note the operative word!!!) shop do the work for you.
You need (should have) the following tools:
1) Cutting Guide 2) Hacksaw 3) Accurate measuring device(s) 4) Head tube facing tool 5) Fork crown race milling/facing tool 6) Headset press 7) Crown race installer 8) Grease 9) (what did I forget??)
Don't know if this helps much? Unless you do a lot of frames, the investment might not be worth it, but it depends on your own "satisfaction level!"
Regards,
Chuck Brooks
Malta, NY