Cutting square ends with a pipe cutter - how do I do it?

[cheesehead]

I'm working on a project where I need to cut some very short sections (1/2" to 3/4") of brass and copper pipe without deforming them. I've tried using those little pipe cutters they sell at the hardware store, but I can't get square ends - they end up all uneven. Any suggestions?

 

[theflyingpig]

Use a saw. Everyone knows this.

 

[spidey07]

Use a saw. Everyone knows this.

Yep. Use the right tool for the job - a hacksaw.

 

[cheesehead]

Yep. Use the right tool for the job - a hacksaw.

Is there some sort of jig I should use? I need really neat edges.

 

[spidey07]

Is there some sort of jig I should use? I need really neat edges.

You could use a miter box for perfect angles. Then just sand it a little bit to take off any burrs.

Something like this, this is pretty fancy though. I've got a miter box that cost like 10 bucks I think. It's plastic and uses pegs to accommodate/secure any size material.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

 

[dartworth]

if you can't cut a piece of tubing square with a tubing cutter, you are doing it wrong

no need for a hacksaw and miter box...

 

[Ausm]

if you can't cut a piece of tubing square with a tubing cutter, you are doing it wrong

no need for a hacksaw and miter box...

I agree.

 

[bctbct]

Cheap tube cutters dont follow their own path very well.

Just beat the fuck out of the end until its square.

 

[911paramedic]

Tighten the cutter a little and go around in one or two full circles, then slowly tighten it every couple of full rotations. You should get a perfect edge or you are doing it incorrectly. (or the cutter is a piece of shit)

 

[Fern]

I've cut a bunch of copper pipe (my house was plumbed with it before I changed over to PEC pipe)

The cheap pipe cutters are difficult. As said above they don't follow their path very well. I've found you've got to pay close atention, go slow and very slowly increase the pressure to get any kind of decent results.

A local HW shop may have better/professional pipe cutters available to borrow.

A hacksaw works pretty well (go slow & easy when you get the cut almost complete for a good finish).

You can always grind/sand (dremel whatever) the pipe ends to square too.

Fern

 

[alkemyst]

fail thread is fail.

 

[iGas]

2 rollers pipe cutters do not tract well, that tend to spirals. The trick is to wound the pipe one way 1 complete turn then wound it back 1 complete turn to establish cutting track. 3-4 times wound it back & forth as you tighten the knob 1/4 to 1/2 turn each complete turn, and it can be wound in 1 direction to cut once the track is established.

4 rollers pipe cutters with large diameter cutting wheel is it the way to go.

Do not over tighten (rush) the cutter as you cut because it can ovalize the pipe, and there are deburring tool or reamers that is use to clean out the burrs in the pipe.

Hack saw work well if you have a steady hand and something rigid to brace against as you cut.

Or use a steel cutting saw blade to get a mirror finish cut and it is absolutely square.

Freud diablo metal demon

 

[Squisher]

2 rollers pipe cutters do not tract well, that tend to spirals.

Ah. I couldn't figure out what the OP was talking about. I've been cutting and sweating pipe for 2 days without any jagged ends. I guess my tools are so old that they didn't make any cheap stuff back then. (Although, I did buy an Autocut. I love that little thing.)

 

[Evadman]

I use my plasma cutter.