How to make an electric pipe cutter for steel pipes. How to make a pipe cutter for steel pipes with your own hands

Installation and replacement of pipes during plumbing work not without cutting individual elements into fragments the right size. The best way To divide a pipe into parts is to use a special tool - a pipe cutter. Using this device, you will be able to cut the pipe efficiently and evenly, obtaining even, smooth and neat edges at the cut points. Unlike a simple hacksaw, a pipe cutter works well and quickly, saving you effort and time. You will learn how to choose the right tool and how to use it in this article.

Experienced plumbers know that a pipe cutter is not a universal tool. Depending on the type and thickness of the pipes, you should use different instruments. There are pipe cutters that help you work with several types of materials, but certain models are only suitable for a specific type of pipe. For home use enough cutting tool steel pipes. With this device you can work with both lightweight plastic and copper structures, as well as pipes made of more durable materials. And if you buy a pipe cutter for plastic pipes, then it will be impossible to use it for cutting steel pipes.

To decide which tool you need, you need to familiarize yourself with the different types of pipe cutters. We will talk about their classifications further.

Classification of devices according to the thickness of the processed pipes

The right tool should be selected based on what kind of pipes you will have to work with. In this matter, it is important to take into account not only the material of construction, but also the thickness of their walls. So, depending on the thickness of the pipes, you can choose one of the following types of pipe cutters:

Tool for working with thin-walled structures. This category includes pipe cutters for copper pipes, metal-plastic, brass, thin stainless steel. As a rule, in in this case roller or cutter type models are used.
Pipe cutters for processing thick-walled pipes made of cast iron or steel. Such devices include chain, multi-roller and split pipe cutters.
The third category is a tool suitable for working with fragile structures, for example, concrete or ceramic pipes. In such cases, it is customary to use chain-type pipe cutters.

Classification of pipe cutters depending on the type of structure

There are several various types instruments that differ from each other in their design features. Let's look at them in more detail:

A pipe cutter, often used for cutting plastic pipes- This is a kind of clip made of steel. Special durable discs are fixed in it, which ensure cutting of the material. These discs are also made of steel, their position can be adjusted at your discretion. The maximum diameter of the pipe that this tool can work with is 10 cm. In the process of dividing the pipe, the cut at the end is neat and smooth.
The manual roller pipe cutter is designed for steel pipes. Such a tool consists of 1-3 rollers responsible for cutting the pipe, as well as guide rollers. The diameter of the pipes that can be processed using this device directly depends on the number of rollers. For example, a three-roller pipe cutter can cut structures with a diameter of up to 10 cm, while a tool with a single roller can handle a pipe no wider than 5 cm in diameter. Unlike the previous type, these pipe cutters do not work as accurately; the cut is not very smooth and may contain burrs.
Tools with a chain-type design help to work with fragile materials: ceramics, concrete, cast iron. These pipe cutters have a tensioning mechanism, swivel arms, and chains equipped with cutting rollers. The principle of operation of such a device is quite simple: the chain is tightened around the pipe and cuts into it by turning the levers.
Rotary or rotary telescopic tools are the most expensive device, which allows you to carry out work in the most complex and unfavorable conditions, for example, at the bottom of pits and trenches, as well as under water. Design features Such a pipe cutter consists of the presence of identical interchangeable rollers, which are fixed around the pipe, cutting it. The tool also has a removable handle with which it is driven. The same handle allows you to press the cutting rollers during operation. The rotary pipe cutter copes well with the most durable structures, the wall thickness of which reaches 19 mm.
For cutting metal-plastic pipes convenient to use tools with ratchet mechanism. These are small devices that cut thin single-layer pipes. The peculiarity of the ratchet mechanism is that after cutting the material, the blade returns to its original position. However, it will not be possible to use such a pipe cutter for pipes with a diameter of more than 3 cm.

Types of pipe cutters based on operating principle

Pipe cutters are also usually classified by type of action. Let's look at the different types of tools:

Manual pipe cutters are usually used for household purposes. The operating principle of such a tool is based on human muscle work. This is the simplest and cheapest type of pipe cutter; moreover, even those who do not have specific skills in working with plumbing can use them.
An electric pipe cutter is equipped with a motor that powers the tool. Such devices are more expensive than their manual counterparts, but working with them is easier and faster. Firstly, the master does not need to apply extra physical strength, and secondly, the pipe cutting process is much faster. Electric pipe cutters come in different varieties: small compact models can be used for household work, and massive units are used in production.
Hydraulic pipe cutters. The principle of their operation is based on fluid pressure. Such a device is equipped with a piston, rod, and hydraulic pump. During operation, the pump exerts pressure on the piston, and the pipe cutter comes into action. When the water pressure weakens, the incisors return to their original position. Such tools do not need to be connected to an electrical outlet, however, their power is noticeably less than that of electric pipe cutters.
Another type of tool is pneumatic pipe cutters. They are used to work with pipes whose diameter reaches 130 cm. These devices can be equipped with cutters various types, therefore such pipe cutters are used both for plastic pipes and for solid cast iron structures. Pneumatic models are not as compact as their electric counterparts. Some tools are large and can weigh about 60 kg. As a rule, special trolleys for transporting them are sold complete with such pipe cutters.

How to choose a tool depending on the material of the pipes being processed

Before purchasing a pipe cutter, you need to consider which pipes you will have to work with. Let's consider the classification of tools depending on the material being processed:

Copper pipes have one distinctive feature: They bend and deform easily. To avoid pipe damage, you should choose the right tool for cutting it. To the most suitable options can be attributed steel pipe cutters telescopic type or ratchet design. It is better if the blade of the tool is made of alloy steel.
Thin plastic pipes lend themselves well to cutting with special scissors. Unlike a pipe cutter, scissors will cost their owner much less, and besides, working with them does not cause any complications. However, if your scope of work is very large, then if you use scissors for a long time, your hands will quickly get tired. Among other things, when purchasing such a tool, you can sometimes come across low-quality models. Good fit For working with plastic pipes, a cordless pipe cutter for polypropylene structures is also considered. However, it can be used to process pipes no larger than 4.2 cm in diameter. Telescopic devices, as well as models with a ratcheting mechanism, will also help in working with metal-plastic pipes.
Concrete, cast iron, and ceramic structures are easiest to cut using chain-type tools - this way you will not damage the fragile material and will not leave chips and cracks on it.

How to use the tool

Let's look at the features of using pipe cutters using the example of metal and plastic pipes. A roller pipe cutter is most often used for processing metal structures. You need to use it as follows:

Mark the location on the pipe where you plan to make the cut. Metal constructions Before processing, you must first wet it using ordinary water.
Secure the pipe in the tool clamp. To do this, open the clamping block, place the pipe in it, move the roller to the intended cutting line and firmly fix the metal in the pipe cutter.
Rotate the clamping mechanism, gradually increasing the tension. This will cut the pipe along the line you marked.

Metal-plastic and polypropylene structures are easiest to cut with a guillotine tool. This is done in several stages:

First draw a mark on the pipe where you will cut.
Spread the handles of the pipe cutter to the sides and insert the pipe into it.
Close the handles so that the blade touches the intended line.
Using some force, press the handle and cut the pipe in the desired location.

Constructions large diameter You can also cut using a similar tool, but it will take a little more time. During operation, the cutting rollers will have to be moved in a circle until they, cutting into the plastic, finally divide the pipe into parts.

How to make a pipe cutter. Video

A piece of pipe can be cut in many ways, be it a hacksaw or a grinder, but the cut may not be very even, and sometimes this is quite critical. For a more even cut, pipe cutters are used, which are very expensive if the diameters of the pipes you plan to cut with them are large enough, from 40 mm and above. But you can make such a tool yourself without spending a lot of money on it, since we will make a pipe cutter from a chain and a piece square pipe and a couple more parts that you probably have in abundance in your garage. You will only have to spend money on a cutting roller for a pipe cutter, this consumables therefore they are sold separately in stores. This pipe cutter can cut steel, copper, duralumin and pipes from PVC plastic. Plus, such a tool works quietly and does not require electricity to operate.

What is needed to create a pipe cutter:

Square steel profile;
A piece of chain from a motorcycle;
Cutting roller for factory pipe cutter;
Strips of sheet metal 5-7 mm thick;
Bolt with nut;
A section of steel pipe (sleeve).

How to make a pipe cutter from a chain and profile, manufacturing process:

First, we make holders for the cutting roller, for this we drill in strips sheet metal holes, I already had such fastenings ready-made.

We assemble the holder; to do this, we place the roller between the fasteners and tighten them with a bolt and nut.

Then you need to weld one end of the chain to the handle.

Now we will weld a piece of a pin to the second end of the chain.

Then you need to weld a piece of round sleeve to the end of the handle through which the pin should move freely.

That’s it, we select a nut for the stud and our DIY chain pipe cutter is ready!

Now all that remains is to test it; to do this, we place the pin in the bushing and screw the nut onto it.

We clamp the pipe in a vice, put the pipe cutter on the pipe and tighten the nut, then simply twist the pipe cutter by the handle around the pipe, gradually tightening it with each turn wrench nut on the pipe cutter and then scroll the tool around the pipe until the piece of pipe is completely cut off.

Among the various types of pipes, steel remains one of the most common. It's all about their strength. resistance to large external loads and internal pressure.

There are various steel pipes - according to manufacturing technology (welded and seamless), features protective coating(uncoated and galvanized), wall thickness and diameter. In this case, often in work it is necessary to obtain several short ones from 1 long pipe. For this purpose it is used special tool– pipe cutter for steel pipes.

Models and prices

A pipe cutter for steel pipes has different technical and user characteristics, which ultimately affects its price. The table provides an overview of some manual models with their parameters and prices.

Model	Characteristics	Price, rub
RIDGID 35S	has 6 roller bearings for high-quality cutting of pipes (from 6 to 35 mm) made of stainless steel	3 700
SUPER 1 1/4	has wide rollers and a hardened disc for long service life (pipes 10-42 mm)	4 400
INOX SUPER 1 1/4	high-quality cutting ensuring a smooth surface of pipes (10-42 mm)	7 500
RIDGID 65S	has 12 roller bearings for high-quality cutting of pipes (from 6 to 65 mm) made of stainless steel	6 500
REMS PAC CT	has hardened cutting discs for long service life, precise and high-quality cut (10-60 mm)	11 600
Kopco St	strong and durable disc for working with the most different pipes(3-120 mm)	23 000

As seen, price policy determined by the functionality of the pipe cutter, the range of pipes it can cut, the angle of the cut and its accuracy.

Video review of the RIDGID 65S model and rules for working with it.

Pipe cutter for steel pipes - device and principle of operation

This device is the most the best remedy for precise cutting of pipes at right angles.

The simplest pipe cutter for steel pipes consists of the following elements:

cutting roller which can be different types depending on the characteristics of the pipe that is supposed to be cut.
A clamp for rigidly attaching the roller to the frame and a housing for its placement.
The frame is the base in which the roller is placed.
Feed handle - it is used to rotate and cut the pipe.

The device is shown schematically in the figure below (disassembled).

The steel pipe cutter works by applying the mechanical force of rotation of the feed screw. The pipe is fixed in the frame and secured with clamps on both sides. The screw begins to rotate, as a result of which a groove is formed in the pipe wall, which deepens until the pipe is completely cut. In this case, the screw of pipe cutters with one roller is turned a full turn (360 degrees), and devices with 4 rollers are rotated 120 degrees, since each of them cuts off its own piece of pipe.

IMPORTANT. In some cases, special metal hacksaws are used to cut pipes. This is especially convenient when you just need to get 2 or more pieces from one product. However, if smooth edges and right angles are required (this is especially true for subsequent threading), then a pipe cutter for steel pipes is the only tool that can do such a job.

Scope of application

The device is used for mechanical cutting of pipes made of any materials (steel, copper, cast iron, ceramics, plastic, metal-plastic). However, in most cases, it cuts pipes only from a specific material (although there are also devices that can cope with both steel and plastic pipes).

However, some pipe cutters only cut at right angles, while others can handle any cuts (mostly from 45 to 90 degrees).

IMPORTANT. Pipe cutters of any kind are only used for cutting round classic pipes and are not suitable for working with profile pipes. The reason is that the design of their mechanism involves committing rotational movements around the surface of the pipe. The profile has a square and rectangular shape, so it is cut using a grinder or a hacksaw.

Kinds

Varieties of pipe cutters are classified depending on the objects being cut and the characteristics of the cutting element. Accordingly, they allocate the following types tool:

Video instructions: how to work with a pipe cutter.

Often to pipe cutters different types add-ons are offered that allow you to provide the most safe conditions for working with pipes. Thus, using the quick crimping mechanism, you can quickly secure large pipes in the device without using a special screw. The pipe cutter can also be equipped with additional removable cutting elements designed for pipes of various thicknesses, and rollers that move the device around the pipe.

Pipe cutting methods

Pipe cutters for steel pipes have different technical designs (in the form hand-held devices, machines, automatic mechanisms) depending on several factors:

parameters of the pipe that needs to be cut (wall thickness and outer diameter are taken into account);
required cutting accuracy (especially important for further use pipes in water supply systems);
quality of the pipe surface after cutting ( smooth surface required in cases of threading the pipe in the future);
production volumes (home conditions or industrial scale).

Accordingly, the following methods of cutting steel pipes are distinguished:

Laser cutting;
Cutting on disc machines;
Cutting with circular saws;
Use of professional cutting machines;
Cutting on band saws.

Laser cutting

The laser pipe cutter for steel pipes cuts using a laser. In this case, the surface of the pipe does not receive mechanical damage due to the lack of direct contact with cutting element. The pipe is fixed with clamps on a special table (using equipment), on which the laser head is located. The pipe turns special mechanism, and the laser precisely cuts the steel according to predetermined parameters. In this case, it is possible not only to mechanically divide the pipe into several parts, but also to cut out any elements in its body (for example, a mesh, as shown in the figure below).

The advantages of such production are obvious:

This safe way cutting, since all work is automated;
they are quite simple to carry out even for low-skilled specialists;
the surface is cut perfectly smooth along the contour, there are no scratches or other mechanical defects;
You can make cuts of any size;
production is fast and waste-free (used for professional purposes).

Cutting on a disc machine

Perpendicular cuts of pipes are made on it. The product itself remains flat, which has great importance For further work with him. The machine can also make cuts at various angles (up to 45 degrees).

Video about cutting on a disc machine

Cutting with circular saws

A pipe cutter for steel pipes based on a circular saw is used in cases where production volumes are small and the final product must be of high quality. The circular saw cuts the pipe by rotating 360 degrees. In this case, you can get a cut at any angle.

Manual and automatic circular saws are used. At the same time, the latter perform cuts an order of magnitude more accurately. Most often, this cutting method is used only at home.

Video review of one of the circular saw models.

Professional pipe cutters

The pipe cutter for steel pipes, which is used for high-quality cutting, is professional device, with which you can cut pipes with any diameters (including large ones) and at almost any angles, depending on their further use. To do this, the mechanism is equipped with clamps that regulate the position of the axis that rotates the knives. The disk that cuts metal is equipped with a special cap that protects it from mechanical stress and allows it to be used for a long time. Moreover, the set contains several disks with diameters from 1 to 12 cm (thickness up to 8 mm).

At the same time, the worker’s efforts are minimal - often the devices are equipped with a special mechanical drive that starts the mechanism by simply pressing a pedal.

Features of pipe cutting work can be seen here.

Cutting on a band saw

Such machines allow you to cut fairly large pipes (up to 32-34 cm in diameter) and work with high performance, which allows them to be used in production.

The advantages of the device are as follows:

high quality surface of the cut pipe (no burrs, roughness, edges not melted);
cuts can be made both at right angles and at other angles (up to 6 degrees);
cutting exactly corresponds to the initial parameters that are set in advance.

Video overview of the machine using the example of one of the models

Manual cutting technology using a pipe cutter

Regardless technical characteristics pipe cutter, the sequence of actions for cutting pipes with its help will look approximately the same:

IMPORTANT. There is no need to press the cutting roller into the pipe body with great force. This may damage it, resulting in the mechanism having to be replaced with a new one.

Instrument care

The service life of a tool largely depends not only on compliance basic rules working with him, but also from proper care. Compliance with the rules presented below will significantly extend the service life of the device and ensure high-quality cutting of pipes with its help.

NOTE. Working on a tool that contains even slight visual damage is undesirable. The fact is that the wear of the pipe cutter will go much faster this way, as a result of which the cutting quality will greatly decrease.

How to choose the right device

To choose the most suitable pipe cutter for steel pipes, you need to proceed from the following parameters:

What cutting quality will be acceptable (surface roughness, burrs, degree of melted edges).
How important is the cutting speed (depends on the total volume of pipe production).
What are the parameters of the pipes that you will mainly be working with?
What skills does the worker have to carry out manual cutting.

IMPORTANT. If the steel pipe cutter is not selected correctly, it may not only damage the workpiece and the tool itself, but also cause serious injury. The choice of tool must be approached very responsibly, since such a purchase is made on long term. In this case, the price factor should come in last place: the main requirement is that the tool fully corresponds to the purpose for which it is purchased.

Making a pipe cutter with your own hands

If for some reason it is not possible to purchase a professional device, then it is quite possible to make it yourself from ordinary materials available to almost everyone. The advantages of this option are as follows:

such a device will cost less than a store-bought one;
it can be adapted specifically to your needs (cutting pipes of given parameters);
when making it, you can learn new things and gain valuable experience that will be useful in other areas.

NOTE. In this case, before starting work, you need to immediately decide which pipes will be cut. what materials will they be made of (a pipe cutter is not universal tool– there are pipe cutters only for metal or plastic; devices for universal use are much less common).

What you need for work

To make a tool yourself, you need a small set of tools and materials:

set of wrenches;
screwdrivers;
hacksaw for working on metal;
square wire rod;
spring;
hacksaw blades.

The work will also require a bolt and screws of special sizes, which depend on the parameters of the device itself. Metal rivets are selected regular sizes(diameter 0.4 cm).

The sequence of work is associated with the stages of manufacturing the left (1), right half (3) of the tool and their assembly. An example drawing is shown below.

The number 2 indicates the cuttings of the canvas, 4 – the clamping screw. Dimensions are indicated in millimeters and can be proportionally recalculated to suit your specific model.

Video with an example of making a homemade chain pipe cutter for steel pipes.

About 30 years ago, at that moment I was still studying at school, during an hour-long excursion to mechanical workshops, I noticed how a worker was cutting a pipe. After clamping it in a vice, I threw some kind of tool on it, twisted it several times around the pipe and cut as much as necessary. “Pipe cutter,” said the labor teacher respectfully, and we moved on.

A week later in labor class we were asked to cut water pipes into small pieces for cutting. We broke a lot of hacksaw blades at that moment! This is where I remembered the excursion and the pipe cutter! I didn’t know at all how it was made. I decided to design it from memory and from what was at hand and was lying abandoned in the garage. But in the next lesson I exceeded the plan.

Not so long ago, in our barn, I accidentally came across my creation, which to this day does not stop regularly cutting pipes and iron rounds. Broken blades from broom saws are not thrown away at all in dad’s home, since the debris is perfect for a pipe cutter. Later I noticed a full-fledged “branded” pipe cutter, but mine is no worse.

It is not difficult to work on it: fragments of fabric 30...50 millimeters long rest against fonts with a diameter of 3 mm and are clamped between the body and cheeks with two M6 screws. When installing, do not forget to point the teeth of the blades in one direction. The device is put on the pipe and tightened using an M8 clamping screw. Rotating the pipe cutter around the pipe, you need to evenly tighten the clamping screw, followed by a subsequent turn, smoothly cutting the teeth of the blades into the pipe by fractions of a mm. 3 pieces of fabric are enough to cut 15...20 half-inch pipes. I haven’t tried to cut pipes with a diameter larger than 51 mm, but I think I could manage it if only the wall was no thicker than 7 mm.

It is also possible to put in the pipe cutter instead of 3 fragments of fabric 6 (in pairs, providing gaskets between the fragments for required thickness), then you can cut washers from the pipes. It is not advisable to put long pieces of fabric into the pipe cutter, since the device cuts with only one central part of each piece. In addition, it is easier to move small fragments along a thin groove or change places. Instead of blades, fragments of files are also suitable.

It is possible to work with a pipe cutter not only with steel pipes, but also with wooden round parts: handles for tools, shovel holders, legs for stools...

To create a pipe cutter we used: square rod with a profile of 15 x 15 mm, steel strip 15 x 4 mm, M6 and M8 bolts, rivets with a diameter of 4 mm (all made of metal). For convenience and practicality, all sharp edges of the pipe cutter parts must be blunted, and the tail part of the wire rod must be rounded under the handle. Bend (90...120°), then we recommend installing a spring under the clamping bolt.

Using steel pipes of various diameters, you will probably encounter the need to adjust them, namely cutting. To solve this problem you can use many various instruments, however, the most the best solution will be a manual or electric pipe cutter.

With its help, you can easily divide the pipe into sections of the required length in order to use them in the future, for example, cutting threads, welding, etc. It is possible to make a pipe cutter for steel pipes with your own hands, but buying one will be much easier; in addition, after reading the article, you will be able to independently choose the right tool for yourself at a low price.

How to cut a steel pipe

To cut steel pipes, select one of the following tools:

Pipe cutting tool;
Electromechanical circular saw;
Gas cutting of pipes;
Plasma cutting pipes;
Special pipe cutting machines;
Special abrasive cutting machines are also used;
Band machines;
And pipe cutting machines.

At home, you can use many different tools, for example, in almost every home you can find a hacksaw, with which you can cut a pipe, spending a lot of time and effort. The result of such sawing will also be of poor quality, so we recommend using an electric tool, for example, circular saw, which will speed up the cutting process, as well as improve the quality of the result.

The best solution for cutting small pipes is plasma or gas cutting. Small cars with mechanical or manual drive will also allow you to make a high-precision cut with high-quality edges. Using a tool like this, you can make a cut different thicknesses and from different angles without losing accuracy.

Helps you achieve the most perfect cut laser cutting, however, it is not practical to use it for home sawing due to the high cost of the equipment. Applicable laser technology only in production facilities where products are massively cut into pieces of the required length. In this way, you can cut pipes of various diameters, and not only individually.

Features of choosing a pipe cutter

As we said above, a homemade pipe cutter for steel pipes - a big problem, so it’s better to familiarize yourself with the features of choosing a ready-made tool.

When choosing a tool, you should pay attention to its two main characteristics: maximum and minimum section pipes, as well as material that can be cut with this pipe cutter.

Tool for thin-walled pipes;
For asbestos cement and ceramics;
And a pipe cutter for heavy loads.

Speaking in more detail, it is worth noting that tools for heavy loads are only electric. It is capable of cutting pipes with a diameter of up to 300 mm, made of durable materials such as cast iron or steel, which is why it gets its second name: steel pipe cutter.

For thin-walled pipes, manual pipe cutters with a simplified design are usually produced. With them you can cut pipes made of brass, copper, metal-plastic and stainless steel.

Classification of pipe cutters by type of design

In total, there are five groups of mechanisms that differ in some design features:

Roller;
Chain;
Incisive;
Ratchet;
Rotary telescopic or rotary mechanisms.

Roller pipe cutter is designed for cutting steel products. The pipe cutter drawing includes two groups of rollers. The first group is directly responsible for cutting the pipe, and the second group of rollers guides the pipe being cut. Such a pipe cutter can handle pipes up to 100 mm if its design includes three rollers. The single roller design is capable of cutting pipes with a diameter of no more than 50 mm.

A chain pipe cutter for steel pipes is rarely used, because its design is designed for fragile materials, such as concrete or ceramics. The design of a chain pipe cutter is quite simple; it consists of a tensioning mechanism, swing arms and chains with rollers. The pipe cutter is classified as manual type and cut thin single-layer pipes with a cross-section of up to 30 mm.

Cutting pipe cutters are designed for sawing plastic pipes with a diameter of up to 100 mm. Externally, this tool resembles a steel casing into which it is built special wheels. The position of the discs is adjusted to the required diameter, after which they cut the pipe.

The rotary pipe cutter is classified as professional equipment for heavy loads. Such metal pipe cutters are often used for working at the bottom of trenches, as well as under water. The principle of operation of such a tool is quite simple: rollers are attached around the pipe, after which they are driven by a removable handle, cutting a pipe with a wall thickness of up to 19 mm.

Electric and manual pipe cutters

All pipe cutters are also divided according to the principle of their operation into manual and electric. They are also divided into pneumatic and hydraulic, which we will talk about a little later.

So, a manual pipe cutter - perfect option for work with a small volume, because sawing with such a tool is quite simple: you just need to fix the device on the pipe and make a cut by making a few turns with the handle or the tool itself. Other benefits hand tools can be attributed to compactness, because you can make a cut with it high altitude, or in a hard-to-reach place.

An electric pipe cutter for large-diameter steel pipes is better suited than a manual one; in addition, it allows you to large volume work in the shortest possible time. Another advantage of an electric tool is good quality materials used for its manufacture.

The high strength of such equipment allows you to perform large volumes of work without worrying about the safety of the tool. The advantages also include the ease of cutting that is performed electric motor. Of the minuses it is worth highlighting high cost of this equipment, due to which the purchase for one-time work becomes impractical.

Other advantages also include good balance, high quality of the cut, neat edges on which you will not find burrs, as well as the ability to replace cutting rollers. Focusing on the latter, it is worth saying that this allows you not only to update the cutting speed in case of wear, but also to change the type of material being processed, for example, from steel to ceramics, etc.

Hydraulic and pneumatic pipe cutters

As mentioned above, cutting can be done using a hydraulic or pneumatic mechanism.

Pneumatic pipe cutters use air, which is forced into a piston under pressure, to operate. Such pipe cutters are used for cutting pipes with a cross-section up to 130 cm. The cut itself is performed with cutters that can be provided for different materials, which allows you to cut both metal and plastic pipes.

The disadvantages of this device include its high weight, which often reaches 60 kg. It is not possible to work with such a heavy tool in a trench or at height.

Hydraulic pipe cutters work in a similar way, only the pressure in the piston is created using water, which is pumped by a hydraulic pump. By pressing water on the piston, the hydraulic pump cuts the pipe with cutters, after which the pressure decreases, and the rod returns the cutters to their original position.

Features of manual pipe cutters

One of the main advantages of hand tools is that you can easily control the entire pipe cutting process, because it is done using your muscle strength, which you can add and reduce as needed.

It is also worth noting that the design manual pipe cutters does not contain complex parts, so they are not afraid of breakage of pistons and engines.

The disadvantages of hand tools include physical activity and a limited diameter size that they can cut. These disadvantages are almost unnoticeable at home, because the amount of work will not cause severe fatigue, and the diameter of the pipes used for home plumbing rarely exceeds that allowed for cutting with hand tools.

Cutting a pipe is easy, because the small dimensions of such a tool are also a big plus. The result is of high quality, largely due to the fact that you precisely control the cutting process.

How to use an electric pipe cutter

The entire cutting process depends on which pipe cutter you use. There are two types of electric pipe cutters: detachable and one-piece. A split pipe cutter is more often used by professionals. It has a durable body that can be divided into two parts, making it easy to attach to the pipe even in hard-to-reach places.

The cutting elements in this design are cutters, of which there can be two or more pieces. One of them is often used for chamfering, and the rest for cutting itself. The pipe cutter itself is fixed to the pipe using special cams, which are also included in the kit. Their number depends on the size of the cutting equipment. Also included in the kit is often a servo drive that controls the progress of the pipe cutter and also prevents its overload.

When starting installation, the two detachable parts are located on the pipe and aligned horizontally. Then they are secured with main and auxiliary cams, the number of which is determined by the size of the diameter of the product being cut. After securing the pipe cutter, the cutters are set 2 mm from the edge and the servo drive is mounted.

After turning on the tool, the cutters will automatically begin to descend to the surface of the pipe and cut it. The power tool will allow you to remove internal and external chamfers, as well as perform facings.

Rules for using a pipe cutter

Remember to clean the cutting roller, guide rollers and feed screw after use. It is recommended to do this special composition, which can be purchased at a hardware store.
Check the lubrication condition of the feed screw and guide rollers.
Avoid rough handling of the tool, do not allow chips and dents.
Constantly check the sharpness of the incisors, because their dullness will lead to additional stress on the device. If the cutters become dull, they must be replaced immediately.
Do not subject the instrument to harsh conditions weather conditions, store it in a warm and dry place.

How to cut pipes from various materials

Each material requires a specific approach, as well as individual cutters, so it is important to know how and with what to cut different pipes.

How to cut steel pipe with a manual roller pipe cutter:

Mark the surface of the pipe. This can be done, for example, with chalk;
Before cutting, moisten the pipe with water, but oil is much better suited for these purposes;
Place the pipe to be cut into the clamp of the pipe cutter;
Open the clamping block, then insert the product into it;
Place the cutting roller against the drawn line;
Secure the pipe carefully;
Next, rotate the mechanism, gradually tightening it, increasing the tension in the block.

When performing such cutting on a pipe with a large diameter, you may encounter difficulties that will require additional time and effort. When cutting a wide pipe, it is necessary to guide the rollers along its entire circumference; in this case, they will cut deeply into the metal, making movement difficult.

Cutting polypropylene and metal-plastic pipes with a guillotine pipe cutter:

Make the markings with a marker;
Spread the handles of the tool, place the pipe under the knife, and secure the pipe with the handles;
Press the handle of the tool so that the knife cuts the pipe.

Once you have finished cutting this way, you will also need to align inner diameter, because with such a cut the inner part of the pipe is slightly deformed.

Manufacturers of pipe cutters

As we said above, you can make a manual pipe cutter for steel pipes with your own hands, but it’s not worth it, because you can buy it in a store at a low price from the following manufacturers:

Virax;
Rothenberger;
Jonnesway.

Virax is a French manufacturer that produces professional and semi-professional equipment for working with pipes made of various materials. Among their tools, hydraulic pipe benders, roller pipe cutters, pipe clamps, chamferers, as well as gas and plumbing wrenches stand out for their quality.

Rothenberger is a German company that has been manufacturing the following instruments for 60 years:

Assembly;
Drilling rigs;
Tool for cleaning water pipes;
Tools and materials for working with various pipes.

The Taiwanese company Jonnesway also produces high-quality equipment at a low price, but it differs in its lifetime warranty on pipe cutters.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it must be said that high-quality repairs or laying a pipeline is impossible without a suitable pipe cutter, because without it you will not be able to achieve accuracy and reliability, and in addition, you will spend a lot of time and effort.