Anyone have any hints or tips on accurate cutting of PVC pipe?
Dave Nelson
Dave,
I’ve used a standard pipe cutting tool (like a C-clamp with adjustable blade) on smaller diameter PVC. Take it slow and easy, tighten after every couple of times around. Gives a good clean cut.
Larger pipe (2 inch or larger) can be handled using the same principle. Secure a sharp bladed knife, maybe in a vise, turn the pipe while pressing against the business side of the blade.
Be careful doing the second method. If you cuss ten times while completing your project you want to be able to count all ten on your fingers when finished. [:D]
Dave (dwRavenstar)
i’ve tried cutting all sizes of pvc pipe with a tubing cutter and a larger pipe cutter. when you tighten the cutter wheel on the pipe it didtorts the pipe making it harder to turn around the pipe. i mostly use a hacksaw with a fine toothed blade (24T) per inch. i used some gray electrical pipe to make silos for a cement plant. take it slow. i’ve also used my radial arm saw pulling it very slowly across the pipe. it makes heat so try not to inhale the fumes and wear saftey glasses and wash your hands afterwards
Just secure the pipe and use a hack saw. Make sure you watch your lines. If you mess it up a little, a belt sander will smooth it out.
Check out a PVC pipe cutter at your local hardware store. They are about 10 16 bucks and is quick, accurate and no mess…John
Sure just cut it w/ your miter/ chop saw, Go slow enough you get a perfect square, smooth cut. Could use a skillsaw, but not as accurate and could be dangerous.
Sawzall. Nothing beats a sawzall for speed and accuracy. I suggest cutting PVC outside though because that saw dust from any method of sawing it is horrible to try and clean up.
Jesse
I use the pipe cutter to mark and start a square cut. Then I use my razor saw to fini***he cut. It leaves a good smooth end that rarely needs and dressing up with a file or paper. As posted in a thread above, using the tubing cutter by itself distorts the tubing. A fresh blade in the cutter will help, but its still not as true as using the razor saw.
It would never occur to me to use a pipe cutter on PVC. I am with those who say hack saw or chop saw. That’s what I used to do all of the waste pipes on my entire house. I consider the pipe cutter to be for copper or other soft metals.
Dave, what size of PVC are you cutting and what is it for? Under an inch, a razor saw works too.
I have found the the fastest and cleanest way to cut PVC pipe is using a Circular table saw I have in my basement. I hold it still and bring the arm down and it cuts fast and clean. I like that way best
I just use my good old hand crosscut saw. Since it’s hand powered, the blade doesn’t get hot enough to melt the PVC.
Then I clean the “PVCdust” off with a utility knife or large half-round file.
I used my power miter saw when cutting the 104 PVC legs for my local Ntrak modular group’s layout. Worked like a charm.
the best way is to use a chopsaw/mitersaw with a plywood blade put in BACKWARDS cuts all pvc/vinyl siding like butter.
Thanks for all the info and ideas, it is greatly appreciated. The pipe in question is fairly large, 2 -3 inch.
Dave Nelson
In the old days we just clamped the pipe and used a hack saw. Later we used a battery powered mini portable saw. Now they have PVC pipe cutters that work great, they have them at Lowe’s and Home Depot.