Pipe cutter for steel pipes. Blades cutting steel! How to choose a pipe cutter for steel pipes and how to use it Homemade pipe cutting tools

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. Make a pipe cutter for steel pipes it is possible to do it yourself, but it will be much easier to buy it, in addition, after reading the article, you can choose for yourself suitable tool 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 of 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 Low quality, so we recommend using an electric tool, e.g. 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 machines with mechanical or manual drive will also allow you to make high-precision cuts with high-quality edges. Using a tool like this, you can make cuts of different thicknesses and at different angles without losing precision.

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. Laser technology is used only in industries where products are massively cut into pieces of the required length. You can cut pipes this way 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 from such durable materials, like cast iron or steel, which is why it got its second name: pipe cutter for steel pipes.

For thin-walled pipes, manual pipe cutters with simplified design. With their help you can cut pipes made of brass, copper, metal-plastic and of 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.

The 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 to fragile materials, for example 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.


Pipe cutters are designed for sawing plastic pipes diameter up to 100 mm. Externally, this tool resembles a steel cage into which special discs are built. 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 Compactness can be attributed to this, because you can make a cut with it at a high altitude or in a hard-to-reach place.


Electric pipe cutter for steel pipes large diameter fits better than a manual one; in addition, it allows you to perform a large amount of work in as soon as possible. Another advantage electric tool is the good quality of the 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. Among the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting the high cost of this equipment, due to which the purchase for one-time work becomes impractical.

Other advantages also include good balance, high quality cut, the accuracy of the resulting edges, on which you will not find burrs, as well as the ability to replace the 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 a hand tool is that you can easily control the entire process of cutting a pipe, because it is done through your muscle strength, which you can add and reduce as necessary.

It is also worth noting that the design of 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

  1. Remember to clean the cutting roller, guide rollers and feed screw after use. It is recommended to do this with a special composition, which can be purchased at a hardware store.
  2. Check the lubrication condition of the feed screw and guide rollers.
  3. Avoid rough handling of the tool, do not allow chips and dents.
  4. 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.
  5. Do not expose the instrument to harsh 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:

  1. Mark the surface of the pipe. This can be done, for example, with chalk;
  2. Before cutting, moisten the pipe with water, but oil is much better suited for these purposes;
  3. Place the pipe to be cut into the clamp of the pipe cutter;
  4. Open the clamping block, then insert the product into it;
  5. Place the cutting roller against the drawn line;
  6. Secure the pipe carefully;
  7. 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.


Section of polypropylene and metal-plastic pipes guillotine pipe cutter:

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

Having completed the cutting in this way, you will also need to align the internal diameter, because with such a cut inner part 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.

Self-repair or installation of a new pipeline will require availability variety of instruments, including pipe cutter.

The device cuts pipes smoothly, does not leave burrs, and sawdust does not get inside.

Do not forget about labor costs and the speed of the operation. Therefore, we do not consider a hacksaw for metal - it takes a long time, makes an uneven cut, and requires a lot of effort.

Buy or make it yourself

On the market you can find a large number of models that differ in operating principle, design, and ability to cut pipes with different wall thicknesses.

The burner flame is directed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The guiding element of the structure is the clamp.

To get started, you need to attach the device to the tubular product and start the cutting torch.

By adjusting the supply of gas mixture cuts pipes of any thickness.

The maximum possible diameter is limited by the length of the clamps. Manufacturers produce models capable of cutting pipes more than a meter in diameter.

There are no restrictions on wall thickness.

What thickness is established by GOST for a pipe (find out the dimensions of thick-walled and seamless pipes) for one purpose or another, this is what the thermal device will cut.

In Russian standards for hot-deformed seamless pipes the maximum thickness is set at 75 millimeters.

Thermal cutting machine will easily cut such a pipe product.

Let's look at the characteristics using the example of the domestic model Orbita BM:

  • two burners;
  • burner speed 100-120 millimeters per minute;
  • the deviation value is 1 millimeter per revolution for products with a diameter of up to 1000 millimeters;
  • acetylene or propane consumption – 0.4-0.55 cubic meters per hour, oxygen - up to 12 cubic meters;
  • trolley electric motor power – 110 watts;
  • dimensions: 34.4x51.8x47.7 centimeters;
  • total weight 105 kilograms.

The manufacturer has provided for the release of both electric and manual models of the device.

The manual version weighs a little more, 30 kilograms, one burner is used, natural gas can be used.

Homemade instrument

To make a device with your own hands, the following materials are required:

Consistently, we perform the following steps:

  1. prepare the necessary tools;
  2. grind the edges of the elements that will make up the pipe cutter;
  3. we process the tail part of the wire rod in the form of a handle;
  4. make a bend at an angle of 90-120 degrees;
  5. secure the spring with a bolt.

To work with such a unit you need skill, which will appear after several cuts.

We take fragments of canvas 3-4 centimeters long and clamp them with two M6 bolts.

The teeth on the blades should point in the same direction.

The pipe cutter is put on the pipe and pressed with an M8 bolt.

As the device rotates, slightly tighten the bolt that presses the cutting edge.

Each turn should immerse the teeth of the blade 0.5 millimeters into the structure.

Finally

The choice of pipe cutter model depends, first of all, on the number and diameter of the pipes used.

Self-made device:

  • will not require large expenses,
  • easy to operate,
  • always at hand.

Buy a pipe cutter or make it yourself - only you decide. Before purchasing, carefully study the characteristics of the device.

Watch a video about a homemade chain pipe cutter, which was filmed while cutting a pipe during heating repairs in an apartment.

If you install communications in the house yourself or plan to repair the pipeline yourself, then you cannot do without such an important tool as a pipe cutter. Why? This “device” provides an ideal cut - smooth, without burrs, and also protects the system from sawdust getting inside. Let's talk about how to choose a pipe cutter for steel pipes, and whether it is possible to make the tool yourself.

Cutting pipes is not as difficult as you might imagine

Tool classification

How to choose a pipe cutter for steel pipes so that it serves properly long years? First, you need to study what tools the market offers, how the models differ, and then decide which option will be the most suitable for the “front” work in your “nest.”

So, pipe cutters are divided into the following types.

  1. According to the mechanism of action:
    • manual;
    • electrical;
    • with hydraulic drive;
    • with pneumatic drive.
  2. In accordance with the wall thickness of the pipes that will have to be cut:
    • for thin-walled structures, which, in addition to stainless steel, include metal-plastic, copper and brass products;
    • for thick-walled pipes (steel and cast iron, with a diameter of 12 inches or more) - pipe cutters equipped with special latches in the form of clamps.
  3. According to the product design:
    • roller (models with 1 or 3 rollers are produced);
    • rotary;
    • With ratchet mechanism;
    • incisors;
    • chain;
    • telescopic.

Worth paying attention! Not all pipe cutter models are universal. Sometimes, to cut pipes from different networks, for example, sewerage and water supply, you have to buy two pipe cutters. If you need universal option, read the instructions carefully.

Meet some types of pipe cutters

Selection tips

The main element of a pipe cutter is a metal frame, which is often made of forged steel. And for other components, the models may differ. Let's talk in more detail about the most popular of them.

Manual pipe cutters

How to use manual pipe cutters for steel pipes? Everything is extremely simple: the “device” is put on the pipe and moved to the place where the structure will need to be cut. Fix the clamp so that the tool rotates around the pipe. Then the pipe cutter is rotated around its axis, first in one direction, then in the other.

Most often, cutter and roller models are used for work.

The cutting unit is equipped with a steel holder that encircles the structure with teeth made of high-strength steel. Their position is additionally adjustable. A pair or even one cutter is placed on a moving part, which is adjusted by a threaded rod (in cheap models, a handle with such a rod). Thanks to the “device” the cut is clean and even. A chisel pipe cutter can handle structures with a diameter not exceeding 10 cm.

Second common option manual pipe cutter– roller. There are models with either 1 or 3 rollers. Large diameter pipes (1.5-10 cm) can only be handled using a “device” with 3 rollers. If the diameter of the structure does not exceed 0.5 cm, then a pipe cutter with 1 roller will do. This model is good in everything, except that hangnails remain after the operation. This problem can also be solved with the help of a countersink, but all this is troublesome.

Model with casters

Manual pipe cutters are a favorite of homeowners who want to do everything on their property with their own hands. Not only are the devices inexpensive, they are also easy to use—you don’t need any special experience or training to operate them. True, when using such “devices” you will have to work hard, the simplicity in in this case based on physical strength.

Electric models

If you have to work with pipes professionally, or you are building one house after another, it will not be superfluous to purchase an electric pipe cutter. This unit is more productive. You can literally work with it playfully, without making any effort.

True, you should be prepared to shell out a pretty penny, but if your budget is not too tight, then by all means purchase an automated unit. This tool will come in handy on the farm.

The only drawback of electric models is that they cannot be used in hard-to-reach places in the pipeline. But for such cases, you can purchase a simple manual “device”.

On sale you will find two types of power tools - detachable and one-piece. It is more convenient to use a split model, consisting of a body divided into 2 parts. Thanks to this device, the unit can even cut a finished - mounted pipeline. Therefore, this model is a “lifesaver” for those who like to make mistakes and those who intend to repair communications themselves.

The cutting element in an electric pipe cutter is cutters, of which there are at least 2 in the “device”. One of them is intended for cutting, the other for chamfering. The device is attached to the structure using cams, of which there are from 4 to 8. The standard model is “tough” for the product with a steel thickness of up to 1 inch. If the walls are thicker, you will have to look for a special type of incisors.

For which processes can the electrical model be used:

  • trimming;
  • chamfering (external, internal, and also with blunting).

This is what the electric model looks like

The procedure for working with an electrical device is as follows:

  1. The detachable parts of the unit are placed on the pipe. Then the wrapping elements are aligned strictly vertically. The quality of the cut depends on the accuracy of the installation. The incisors are placed at a distance of 2 mm from the intended cut. It is possible that such a process will require a building level. To ensure correct installation, make a full rotation of the tool holders. It happens that the diameter of the selected model is too large for the pipe you need to cut. The way out of this situation is simple: purchase special cams and place them under the fastening mechanism.
  2. Cutting process. In electric models, virtually everything is automated. Follow the instructions and the cutter machine will do all the work for you.

This is important to know! To ensure that the tool serves you for a long time and the cuts are flawless, use a lubricant and cooling agent for the work.

Overall, an electric steel pipe cutter is a solution for homeowners who are not physically fit, save time, and want to live in tune with advanced technology.

Video: how an electric unit works

DIY pipe cutter

Is it possible to make a manual pipe cutter for steel pipes with your own hands? Of course, this is the only secret your fathers and grandfathers most likely know. But now you too will learn a useful secret.

First prepare the components, namely:

  • square (size 1.5 by 1.5 cm) wire rod;
  • bolts M8, M6;
  • spring;
  • canvases;
  • steel tapes (1.5 by 0.4 cm);
  • metal rivets with a diameter of 0.4 cm.

Step-by-step instructions for assembling a manual pipe cutter:

Step 1: Prepare workplace and tools.

Step 2: Sand the sharp edges of the pipe cutter parts.

Step 3. Process the tail fragment of the wire rod into a handle.

Step 4. Make a bend within 90-120 degrees.

Step 5: Attach the spring under the hold-down bolt.

Assemble the tool based on this drawing:

And now about how to use the device.

Fragments of canvas about 4 cm long, aiming for 3 mm fonts, clamp with a pair of M6 screws between the cheeks and the body. Make sure that the teeth of the blades are directed in the same direction. Put it on homemade unit onto the pipe, tighten it using the M8 bolt. Rotate the tool around the pipe and tighten the screw little by little. With each revolution, the teeth of the blades should plunge into the structure by about half a millimeter.

Experienced homeowners say that 3 pieces of blade is enough to cut several dozen half-inch pipes.

Using such a device you can even make washers. To do this, you need to use 2 times more canvases - that’s the whole secret. Just choose short fragments, since only the central part of each of them is involved in the process.

Worth paying attention! Didn't find any canvases in your household, but did you have a lot of files accumulated? Use them; such a replacement will not harm the quality of work.

Happy cutting to you!

Whether you buy or make a pipe cutter for steel pipes yourself is up to you.

Video: all about pipe cutters

Purchasing a pipe cutter for each specific job is not entirely economical. Option make your own device quite acceptable, especially if you have the skills of a mechanic and welder.

Types that you can make yourself, in order of difficulty

IN living conditions To obtain a high-quality cut, they are often used roller pipe cutters. The design is not very complicated and you can make them yourself. Larger pipe sizes and materials are processed using hand-made chain pipe cutter.

Factory assembled roller pipe cutter Pro Fit. Photo

If necessary cutting large quantity it is desirable to have pipes power driven device, made by yourself. Purchased, especially good quality from foreign companies, is not cheap. Here you can offer an angle grinder as an electric drive and develop an electric pipe cutter (circular saw) based on it. Other types of drives– hydraulic, pneumatic and others can be modified at home, let alone developed, either impossible or very difficult and only capable of particularly gifted craftsmen.

Homemade tools for cutting steel pipes and more, video

Introducing possible options making your own roller, chain and electric pipe cutters.

Roller for steel and copper pipes with a diameter of up to 40 mm

  • the main element of the design is the cutting roller; it is purchased, as it is made of special steel with a certain sharpening angle;
  • steel strip 5 mm thick, 30 mm wide. and approximately 500 mm long;
  • enlarged (high) M12 nut;
  • standard M12 nut;
  • standard M16 nut;
  • steel bar with a diameter of 20 mm, a length of at least 60 mm;
  • M12 bolt with thread length 200 mm. over the entire length of the rod;
  • Bulgarian;
  • locksmith tools and accessories.

The order of work is as follows.

  • First of all pipe cutter body is manufactured. It is welded from strips of steel sheet 5 mm thick. and 30 mm wide, into which the workpiece was cut with a grinder.
  • The body is the supporting part for all structural elements of the pipe cutter, therefore Welding seams must have good strength characteristics. Why is it necessary to clean and adjust the surfaces to be welded before welding?
  • Prepare a hole for the rotation axis support rollers and cutting tools. By the way, in this video the author forgot to mention this design element. The diameter of this steel bar must correspond internal diameter cutting roller and for unification, a hole should be made in the support rollers to the same diameter.
  • At pen making, which will be used as part of the clamping device and a lever for rotating the pipe cutter, it is important to choose a convenient diameter and length for work. An M16 pin may not be useful for cutting small-diameter pipes.
  • Finished pipe cutter after painting has a good presentation.

Chain for products with a diameter of up to 76 mm

The pipe cutter is positioned by the author as a device for processing pipes up to a diameter of 76 mm. The pipe material is not specified. Probably additional features will appear after testing. For making a pipe cutter you will need the following materials:

  • a piece of an old chain from an electric hoist;
  • cutting rollers made of tool steel, hardened, industrially manufactured;
  • M6 studs depending on the number of chain links;
  • M6 nuts twice the number of studs;
  • two steel strips 10 mm thick, 40 mm wide. and approximately 350 mm long;
  • plates 10 mm thick, dimensions 40 x 60 mm. - 4 things. (2 pcs. - for making fastenings for the ends of the chain, 2 pcs. - for the clamping device;
  • chain links that will be used as elements of the power part of the pipe cutter structure;
  • M16 bolt, the length is selected to ensure normal chain tension conditions;
  • nut M16;
  • plate 2-3 mm thick, size 40 x 40 mm;
  • a set of fasteners in the form of studs, nuts, M8 washers, M10 bolt, M10 nut, M10 threaded washers;
  • welding machine with electrodes;
  • a device for disassembling a chain, another set of metalwork tools.

For making a chain pipe cutter you need to do the following:

  • Disassemble old chain O t of an electric hoist into its component parts: links and pins. A device, as the author calls it, a “crocodile,” is used to knock out fingers.
  • To provide a collapsible chain at the ends of the fingers M6 studs are welded. The chain is assembled into a single unit using M6 nuts and washers.
  • Levers made of steel strips equipped with fastening for the ends of the chain. 10 mm thick plates measuring 40 x 60 mm are welded to the ends of the strips. Links are welded to the plates to provide a landing gap for the ends of the chain. It should be noted that appearance welding seams leaves serious doubts about their sufficient strength during operation. Preparation of surfaces for welding (cleaning, selection of modes) leaves much to be desired.
  • In one of the stripes two holes with a diameter of 10 mm are made.: one in the middle, the other at the end opposite the chain fastening;
  • In another stripe except for the hole in the middle, an emphasis is being made from the remains of plates 10 mm thick. by welding;
  • To the assembled plates in the form of scissors tension device is installed, consisting of an M16 bolt, an M16 nut and a washer in the form of a plate that limits the movement of the levers.
  • The ends of the chain are inserted into the gaps between the links at the ends of the strips and are secured with studs, nuts and M8 washers. The position of the cutting rollers in one cutting plane is adjusted by intermediate washers.
  • The appearance of the pipe cutter is clearly unpresentable, but the use of more advanced technological techniques can significantly improve the appearance and quality of the structure. The algorithm of actions is indicated.

Electric pipe cutter, circular saw from a grinder

A device for cutting pipes based on a grinder can be made from the following materials and equipment:

  • grinder used for various works in the household;
  • steel sheet 4-5 mm thick;
  • corners 30, 40 mm;
  • square pipe 20 x 20 mm;
  • tension-compression spring with ends for hooks;
  • fasteners, including those that match the threads on the holes of the grinder;
  • steel bar with a diameter of 10-12 mm. for the axis of rotation;
  • welding machine with electrodes.

Necessary perform the following work.

  • Make from 4-5 mm sheet, corners and square pipe table for placing work being processed b. Attach a device to it for clamping and turning the pipes during processing.
  • To the table weld the stand, made from 30 mm angle. First make a hole in the rack with a diameter of 10-12 mm. for the axis of rotation. Weld a plate to secure one end of the spring.
  • From the corner 40 mm. weld a pipe, which is aligned with the stand on the axis of rotation.
  • Weld the bracket from sheet material, which will be shaped to fit the seating surface of the angle grinder. Provide holes on it for attaching this electric drive. Make holes to engage the spring.
  • Weld the bracket to square pipe from a corner 40 mm. Position and secure the angle grinder on the bracket.
  • It turned out enough compact device, which is easy to find storage space. If necessary, it will help in processing pipes with an even cut.


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 long ago, in our barn, I accidentally came across my creation, which today 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 of the required thickness between the fragments), then it will be possible to 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.