Here's how I do it (in this example I'm shortening a titanium spoke, but the procedure for stainless steel spokes is the same):
- cut spoke using a good heavy duty set of pliers or side cutters;
![Cutting spoke with heavy duty pliers](/gfx/pubs/131024346_r1.jpg)
- clamp spoke in spoke threading machine, but not all the way in - this way you can access the end of the spoke;
![Spoke partially inserted into spoke threading machine](/gfx/pubs/1286677331_r1.jpg)
- file the spoke end flat and file a slight chamfer all round;
![Filing spoke end flat](/gfx/pubs/379570072_r1.jpg)
- move spoke fully into threading machine;
![Threading titanium spoke](/gfx/pubs/1969792441_r1.jpg)
- thread spoke - I use a zip-tie on the shaft of the threading machine as a stop so I get about 10mm of thread on the spoke.
![Improvised threading distance stop using zip-tie](/gfx/pubs/965302150_r1.jpg)