Originally Posted by Dave Mayer

Our local Co-op has a tray with several dozen 10 x 1 x 145mm threaded rear hub axles. When I require something shorter, I take one of these ($2) parts and with a (metal) hacksaw blade cut them down to size. Takes less than 5 minutes.

Make sure you thread one of the cones onto the side you want to cut before the cutting. Immobilize the axle with a bench vice, and cut away. Then file the end of the axle smooth. Next, unwind the cone, which serves to chase the mangled threads on the cut side. Then do a light filing to finish. Make sure the side you cut has enough threads for the cones, spacers, locknuts etc.