Anybody using pipe cutters?
 

I was setting up some stuff to build a new chassis the other day and I was in the shed and saw the pipe cutters and thought I was a dumbass for not using them in the first place. Cause they cut perfect straight, no noise/heat and stuff you get with a dremel, no shavings. I can't remeber if anybody said something about them before but I'll bring it up.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...o/DSCF0584.jpg

In the vice where I cut notches in the jaws for holding tubing vertical (hard to see)
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...o/DSCF0585.jpg

Sharing my bender too
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...o/DSCF0586.jpg

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...o/DSCF0587.jpg

I just use a 4-1/2" angle grinder with a cut-off wheel. I find that style of tubing cutter to be a pain in the ass to use. Tighten it up, spin it around, tighten it up, spin it around, etc.... The cut-off wheel is much faster/easier for me.

Nice bending jig. That thing looks pretty handy.

i use the little tubing cutteer. it works great as i dont have much of a shop at home. i can cut out all my links sitting at the kitchen table and not have aluminum shavings flying all around the house. then i go to the garage to do some quick tapping. works for me

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...o/DSCF0584.jpg

I use a similiar style cutter as your larger one and do agree it cuts cleaner and easier than most other methods. "thumbsup" The smaller one on the other hand.. I hate those little guys :mrgreen:

the smaller one is more work on the hands but thats what i use "thumbsup"

Yep, been using them for quite some time!

Me too,But the little one will wear out quick "thumbsup"

Try chucking the tubing up in a drill and using the tubing cutter. This is the way I've been cutting my tubing for a while, quick and easy.

I was using a similar cutter at first, but it seemed that I was bending the tube as I cut. Now, I use a mini chop saw. It comes in handy when fish-mouthing the tube also.

exactly the way i make my links chuck it up in the drill and spin it slow and it works awesome - then i chuck up the tube and again very slow i thread it on the tap - it takes like 8 min to make a set of 4 links - 3/16 brake tube and a 6/32 tap

Re: Anybody using pipe cutters?
 

I know I'm reviving the dead but I tried searching to no avail.

Would pipe cutters like the big on work on stainless steel tubing? I got some K&S 1/4" stainless steel tubing (0.028 wall thickness) that I want to make my own lower links for a SCX10. I've never worked with SS before so I was wondering if it is too hard to cut with these pipe cutters.

I guess I can use a cut off wheel but I want to have a 90 degree cut without much file after work other than to deburr.

Re: Anybody using pipe cutters?
 

with my hands I dont need a vice only my teeth an hands

Re: Anybody using pipe cutters?
 

I have a small one that I have been using since my auto mechanic days from the late 80's, never replaced the cutter wheel yet....I now only use it when I need a straight cut, the dremel is much faster with the angles we use to make stuff "thumbsup" ....dremel cut it, corner of my bench grinder to start the fish mouth and then clean it up with a 3/16" chainsaw file or my other dremel with a 1/4" stone it it....take me bout 2 minutes to do a joint....

Re: Anybody using pipe cutters?
 

I also use one like the bigger one.And as stated,it does cut nice and straight,but does "roll" the cut edge.If you are using the tubing for links,you will have to drill out the end for allthread to fit thru it.Dremel does work nicely with smooth finish cut.And I too also use chainsaw file for fish mouths.

Re: Anybody using pipe cutters?
 

A combination of dremel for odd angles and the larger tube/pipe cutter...I've never seen the smaller one before.

A circle stone grinder to start the fish mouth and I found a perfect sized round file at harbor freight to finish it off...I think I learned that from Bob1961..."thumbsup"

Re: Anybody using pipe cutters?
 

Angle grinder with cutoff wheel!! Best ever.

Re: Anybody using pipe cutters?
 

It depends on what I'm doing. If I just need a quick cut, I'll use an angle grinder. If I need a quick cut that is somewhat straight, I'll use my pipe cutter. If I need a nicer cut I'll use the lathe. If I need a very precise fishmouth, I use the mill. I actually use the mill a lot to get exact lengths, and if I need a fishmouth on both ends that have to align with each other.

I guess it really depends on my mood, the application and what I have ready at the time.

Re: Anybody using pipe cutters?
 

I've used a pipe cutter before but not for fab work, does anyone use one on .035 wall tube? does it crush the tube at all, pain in the ass, not fast?

I normally just use a metal chop saw and or 4 inch grinder or 1.5 inch dremel cutoff.

some times when a piece of tube gets small, the chop saw and 4 inch grinder don't feel to safe though:oops:, pipe cutter could work nice.

Re: Anybody using pipe cutters?
 

Thanks for the feedback guys. A few years ago Harbor Freight used to have a mini cut off saw for something like $30. It was orange color. At the time I couldn't think of a purpose for it so I just said "Oh, cute!". That saw would have been perfect now but alas they don't sell it anymore. :(

I wonder if I can rig something up with a motor, ESC, belt and a platform for cutting these small tubes????

Re: Anybody using pipe cutters?
 

You mean like this one?It's now $40 but could come in handy.