cutting PVC pipe

[kwahlne]

Can one use a regular power saw for this? How do I make the length of this pipe shorter?

 

[kittywings]

DH used a plastic cutting blade with our table saw... I was cheeky and tried cutting it without him there and apparently he had a wood blade on there... it chewed up the pipe.

So, in other words... yes, but with a proper blade.

 

[Deda]

You can always bring it here and let Kevin cut it. Or several.

I've been thinking about having him make a few round molds for me.

Let me know!

 

[kwahlne]

OOOooo OOoo, I'm going to Ikea tomorrow, can I drop by with it? Are you still at the farmer's market? Maybe I should stop by on my way back.

We need to catch up anyway!!

 

[Absinthe]

There are 3 ways to cut PVC pipe that don't involve a power saw.

This depends on size to an extent but for the most part they are all available.

1. hand saw, I like a hack saw, but one could easily use a back saw and a miter box.
2. There is a PVC cutter that works a bland and anvil and ratcheting action
Here is a google link to what I am talking about

http://www.google.com/products?q=pvc+pi ... CCMQzAMwAw

3. And this is my #1 choice because it makes nice clean cuts, usually pretty square and no stress Rotating pvc tubing cutter. They are also made for copper and will work for pvc, but I think the ones made specific to PVC don't do so well on copper. Simply screw it on, turn it around the pipe. Screw ti a little tighter, repeat. and so on eventually you have 2 pipes.

Here is a link to a picture

http://www.made-in-china.com/image/2f0j ... CC-64-.jpg


These all differ slightly by size and brand. But the same basic idea is at play.

 

[kwahlne]

#3 looks good... how much does one of those cost?

 

[IanT]

#3 looks good... how much does one of those cost?

I friggin LOVE those things... I think theyre under $15?

 

[Deda]

Give me a call. Kevin's in putter mode, so it's perfect timing.

We'll be home all weekend, still running a fever and I don't want to chance the Farmers Market. I'm not contagious, but I don't want to stand outside in the cold and catch something from a sick customer.

 

[kwahlne]

Darn! Couldn't get out to Ikea today... Deb, WHEN are you going to get BETTER? I can't believe you are still sick. :-(

So that #3 option... is that big enough to cut a 3" pipe?

 

[Deda]

I'm planning on tomorrow. Actually, today was pretty good.

Stop by tomorrow if you need, he's in the shop working on some shelves, so cutting for you is no biggie. And I'd love to see you.

 

[cwayneu]

I use a 12" miter saw with a carbide tipped blade. It cuts PVC pipe, up to about a 6" diameter, like butter. Very fast and straight. Of course I only use 3" for soap molds, but now I'm starting to think "What would a 6" round soap look like.". OK, my soap addiction is getting out of hand now.

 

[Absinthe]

They make them to cut all sorts of stuff, but you will probably pay a fair amount for one that cuts larger than 2-1/2" OD.

For pipe that large I would use the chop saw (miter saw) or a miter box and back saw.

You can use a jig saw or reciprocating saw (sawzall), and if you use a hose clamp (band style) on it you can have a nice straight guide to cut from.

How many pieces are you wanting to cut? Remember most plumbers are not all that concerned with dead square ends because they ultimately get lost in the coupling or caps. If you use a "test cap" on the end of it you can have some slop in the cut as well. If you simply made a quickie bench hook

http://wpcontent.answers.com/wikipedia/ ... h_hook.gif

then you could just hang on with one hand and slice on through with either a hack saw or back saw or even a crosscut wood saw or even, and this would be a good choice too if you are going to buy a hand tool anyway a dozuki (this is a Japanese pull saw, much easier to control and make a nice cut in just about any material. ) . If you have power tools like a miter saw, it will make quick work of it as well, but fast spinning blades may melt the pvc a little and require some cleanup. I usually just cut some scrap hardwood afterward to clean the pvc off the blade.

One more option is a razor blade. The idea is to support it at the length you want to cut and spin the pipe. If you made a trough with a stopped end at the width you wanted to cut, and simply mounted a utility blade poking out where the cut line would be, and lay the pipe in the trough up against the stopped end, then rotate it while pressing down on it gently (not trying to cut through all in one stroke) it will make a nice smooth repeatable cut.

 

[Bigmoose]

I too haver used a power mitre saw to cut mine. It is fast and makes nice square cuts. Only drawback is if you cut alot of pvc on them it will leave a build up on the blade. No problem with a little bit though.

Bruce

 

[Absinthe]

Not nearly as nasty as cutting ABS that way

 

[Deda]

I have absolutely no idea what any kind of saw is called. But we have lots of them, big huge ones that stand up and have 94 in blades, little tiny itty bitty ones. Kevin builds banjos and carves wood designs into handmade furniture. He's an HVAC Tech by trade, pretty handy all around.

 

[Absinthe]

If he does HVAC, then he should have no problem cutting PVC