Anyone here try cutting down the length of a heat treated Ashtabula steer tube? Any techniques or tools that I should know about? I suspect a hacksaw is not enough.

plain old good quality hacksaw will work. Or take it to a shop where they have a special tool that helps to cut it in a straight line

It can be done with a decent hacksaw or even a steady hand and a Sawzall.

But, before you do it, make sure you lube up the threads and then thread a top headset bearing race down past the point of where you are cutting it and leave it there. Then, carefully cut the steer tube and clean up the cut. Then, use the top race and thread it off slowly (it will somewhat "self clean" the threads as you remove it).

Thanks guys!
I had no idea Ashtabula made a fork with a longer steer tube. I am currently orking on a super-secret project, and was suprised to find this discrepency.

I like super-secret projects! If it fits in your collection we know it will be killer (plus I think I have a good guess).

I have an NOS Ashtabula and the steer tube is like ten inches. Of course I can without a ruler I can only...well...nevermind.

Maybe you'd like to just trade me for a 4" fork - I have been looking (not so hard) for a stamped, white letter ashtabula with a 5" steer for one of my projects, and I mistakenly bought a 4" fork.

Remember! Ashtabula components were available off the shelf so the forks were universal "cut to fit" for different head tube spacings.

I cut down a set a year or two ago with a five dollar hacksaw. No biggie.

I hope you have it done in time for the Portland show....
Must feel wierd for you to not have to chrome something.. LOL

The hack saw did the trick. The forks are installed and it looks/works great. And yes, Paul - not chroming stuff make me confused!!??!!