View Full Version : how do you cut aluminum pipe


jim sylvester
12-16-2010, 10:18 PM
i have 4 aluminumn pipes ( 4" diameter) 1/4 " thick that needs 1" taken off each of them

they must all be precise on the cuts

before i take the hacksaw to them is there an easier way to make sure the cut is level and precise....because i know if i hacksaw them up they will come out on a slant or 1/8" off

thanks guys

jim

O.D. Mike
12-16-2010, 10:24 PM
Plumbers pipe cutter

Saltheart
12-16-2010, 11:32 PM
Cut long then face off on a lathe.

Nebe
12-17-2010, 01:38 AM
Bring em to my studio. I can cut them in a minute or 2 Chop chop.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

UserRemoved1
12-17-2010, 04:44 AM
Chop saw. Hold it tight. Carbide blade. ~60 teeth

UserRemoved1
12-17-2010, 04:45 AM
And if they got to be precise then yes cut long and face on the lathe. Lathe will leave it very clean and just have to deburr the edges slightly.

Tagger
12-17-2010, 06:14 AM
160 tooth carbide on a 10" power miter..

ProfessorM
12-17-2010, 10:41 AM
chops saw will work but a pipe that thick needs to go at a slower RPM and most don't. You will also benefit from putting some cutting fluid, soluble oil, or even plain water with a spray bottle on the blade as alum. will load up the blade, especially at that high RPM and fine tooth blade.. Better if you know a machinist and he can do it with the correct tools intended for that purpose if you want precision. Could send it to me if you pay the shipping back and forth.

tattoobob
12-17-2010, 07:18 PM
4" pipe you'll need a rap around to mark a straight line, then a pipe vice and a portable deep cut band saw and don't cut straight thru. You need to cut then turn the pipe and continue in the cut you just made until you get back to the start point

Nebe
12-17-2010, 07:29 PM
How many Surfcasters does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

buckman
12-18-2010, 12:56 PM
Chop saw. Hold it tight. Carbide blade. ~60 teeth

X2, go slow you will have no problem. Have saftey glasses on

Raider Ronnie
12-18-2010, 04:11 PM
Something to cut like that I use my stationary metal bandsaw.
Set it up, clamp it and walk away.
If I need to be portable I got a hand held also.
Not sure where you are located but if you want to travel to Wrentham I can help you out.

Saltheart
12-18-2010, 04:18 PM
I had one of those little band saws. What a great tool for the money. I found a big heavy magnet , weighed maybe 3 pounds and I would stick it to the end of the saw to add weight so it cut faster. i cut 6 inch solid steel on that sucker . Just set it up and get it cutting then just let it run for an hour or so and it would cut through almost anything that would fit in the grips.

UserRemoved1
12-18-2010, 04:23 PM
I have a hand held bandsaw if it will help Jim.

Slammer223
12-18-2010, 05:35 PM
We actually used to use kerosene when stamping out aluminum pieces.

jim sylvester
12-20-2010, 12:42 PM
got it done with a chop

then a metal file

thanks for the help guys!!!!!