Cutting tiny machine screws to length

[Bill C.]

I am assembling a team built beam engine on which all fasteners are 2-56. I purchased 100 2-56 x 3/4”, stainless steel hex head screws for this model.
I have made a couple jigs from 1/2” mild steel hex to accomplish this on my lathe. One jig is 1/4” and one is 1/2”. I drilled and tapped each jig for the 2-56 screws, and have cut several to the size required for various components. I am having trouble with the current process. I have to really tighten the screws in the jig or they catch on the parting tool and begin to screw themselves back out of the jig.
How do you cut longer screws to length? Do you have a better way to do this without buggering the threads?
BTW, I made a nut driver type tool from a socket head cap screw, piece of brass tubing and a home made wood handle for these screws that seems to do the job, although the brass hex nuts I have are bigger than the hex screw heads.

Chuck

Some wire strippers have screw cutters built in them. Otherwise use your jigs with a nut to lock them. I remember cutting screws to length for a job once. I would chamfer the end. Good luck

 

[Dave Smith]

Hi if you haven't got them all done yet ---after screwing them in your fixture--just take an angle grinder with a 120 grit flap disc and it should take the ends off smoothly--if they are really long then cut them off close first with a dremel thin cut off disc and then finish them off nice with the flap disc.

 

[Armor]

I just cut mine with pair of Dyke's.

But the ones I use are Brass.
:whistle:
Jeff