If the shaft is regular flex at driver length, then cutting 1/2 inch off the tip will keep it at regular flex for a 3 wood. The clubheads get progressively heavier as you go through the set (driver is the lightest, 3 wood is a little heavier, and so on through the wedges). By tipping the shaft progressively, yes...you are making it SLIGHTLY stiffer, but that is needed to keep it relatively the same flex when you put it into the heavier 3 wood head. This way, each club in the set should feel relatively the same when swung. For proof of this go on line and look up the tipping instructions for most shafts.....then compare that to the weight progressions throughout the whole set of clubheads. I think you'll see the relationship between tipping and clubhead weight.....Hope this helps.