Do-it-yourself manual pipe cutter. Manual pipe cutter for steel pipes: types, characteristics, application

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DIY 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

You can find it on the market a large number of models 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 Cut 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:

prepare the necessary tools;
grind the edges of the elements that will make up the pipe cutter;
we process the tail part of the wire rod in the form of a handle;
make a bend at an angle of 90-120 degrees;
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 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.

Installation and replacement of pipes during plumbing work cannot do 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. About how to choose suitable tool and how to use it, you will learn from 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 light plastic and copper structures, as well as with 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 different types 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 different types of instruments, differing 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 of this device. 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.
A rotary or rotary telescopic tool is the most expensive device that allows you to carry out work in the most difficult 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 consider different kinds tools:

Manual pipe cutters are usually used for household purposes. The operating principle of such a tool is based on muscle work person. 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 force, and secondly, the process of cutting pipes 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 tool blade 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, ceramic designs It's easiest to cut using chain-type tools - this way you won't damage brittle material and do not leave chips or 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

Installation and repair of intra-house pipeline communications involves the use of a tool that ensures a perfect, even cut. This device will protect the system from sawdust getting inside during operation, which means that contaminants will not get into the pipeline. It is preferable to make a universal pipe cutter with your own hands rather than spend money on buying one. Homemade unit will prove that cutting pipes is a simple task!

Only a reliable tool for steel pipes can cope with a large scope of work. Depending on their intended purpose, pipe cutters differ:

Mechanism of action:

with pneumatic drive;
with hydraulic drive;
electrical;
manual.

Thickness of processed walls:

unit for working with thin-walled structures made of copper, brass, metal-plastic and stainless steel;
unit for working with thick-walled pipes made of cast iron and steel with a diameter of more than 12 inches. In this case, the tool is additionally equipped with clamps in the form of special latches.

Design:

telescopic;
rotary;
incisal;
chain;
roller;
with a ratchet mechanism.

As you can see, a homemade pipe cutter should be exactly universal option, which would be suitable for working with pipes of major systems, for example, water supply and sewerage.

Design of a manual pipe cutter

The metal frame is the main element of every pipe tool. For its manufacture, preference is given to forged steel. Other components may change.

A hand-held device for cutting steel pipes is popular due to its compactness, speed and accuracy. It is enough to fix the tool clamp, and when it rotates around the pipe, cutting will be carried out.

Roller and cutter models have proven themselves to work reliably. The incisor version is distinguished by a special design with sharp teeth made of a durable steel alloy. Thanks to this feature, the cuts are smooth. Pipes with a diameter of no more than 10 cm are suitable for processing.

The roller unit is equipped with a number of rollers from 1 to 3, depending on the type of pipes being processed. To work with pipes up to 10 cm in diameter, a three-roller device is used.

Some craftsmen buy, while others strive to make a manual pipe cutter for steel pipes with their own hands, because the tool is very easy to use, convenient, and its operation does not require additional training and skills. If everyone agrees with the simplicity and convenience of the device, then it remains to be noted that to perform a large amount of work, good physical strength of the master is needed.

Convenient grinder tool

The imagination of the craftsmen did not stop at the use of purely manual tools for cutting pipe products. The cutting disc unit is widely used not only for metalworking, but also for woodworking. IN household it has no analogues: the tool is convenient for work of varying complexity in the garage and workshop. It is capable of handling the following tasks:

with precise cutting sheet metal;
with cutting metal parts;
obtaining cuts of specified parameters;
with receipt of blanks;
with division metal profile for long stretches.

A pipe cutter made from an angle grinder is convenient, easy to use, and can cope with a wide range of tasks in a short time. It is characterized by precise cutting, high speed work.

Considering that the tool is not used as regularly in everyday life as in industry, its purchase is not advisable. It would be more rational to make the unit yourself, using the bed from an ordinary angle machine as a basis for creativity. The result is a universal grinder with the properties of a small-sized cutting machine.

A homemade version of the device is not very uncommon today. You can make a pipe cutter using scrap materials available in the garage, or make one from a grinder with your own hands.

To a more professional homemade level It comes down to designing a plasma-type pipe cutter. Main constituent elements- , gears from Bendix, flywheel from any truck. The only caveat: for production you will need a metal processing machine. If you have one in your garage, then the matter remains small.

Manufacturing process

screwdriver;
hammer;
wrench;
file and ;
vice;

As consumables you need to take:

screws, preferably M6;
M8 bolts;
square wire rod;
spring;
steel tape 15x4 mm;

A metal rivet element with a diameter of no more than 4 mm is useful.

Before starting the manufacturing process, it is recommended to prepare workplace, place all the necessary equipment on it.

How to make the left part of the pipe cutter:

a piece of wire rod no less than 135 mm long is used;
the lower end of the workpiece is processed: it is rounded with a file, chamfered, and filled with a radius;
measure 90 mm from one end of the workpiece and drill a hole with a diameter of 8.5 mm;
a cloth is placed on top of the part and secured using a clamping bar or a metal rivet;
another hole is drilled for the axle, which is used as an ordinary steel rod with a diameter of no more than 8 mm.

At this stage, it is important to consider: the teeth of the blades must have the same direction.

How to make the right side:

the base is made from wire rod;
two segments are formed, maximum length which are up to 40 mm, the product resembles the roof of a house;
the shank is tucked under the handle;
canvases are attached to each curved section of the product;
on the left side of the wire rod you need to place a threaded hole, in the very center of which a clamping bolt is screwed in;
a similar one is made perpendicular to the hole on the left side, into which the axle will be installed;
a strip of steel is fixed in which a hole is drilled for the axle.

Assembly of the structure:

On the left, a spring is put on the clamping bolt;
an axis is placed, the ends of which are connected;
a screw-nut pair can be used as an axis;
the clamping bolt is screwed into the threaded hole on the right.

To make a pipe cutter with your own hands, you can use files instead of blades. This will not harm the process of repair or installation of pipe products, but on the contrary, homemade instrument will help with elements of a given length with even cuts.

Pipes are the main element of water supply, sewerage and heating - systems without which we can no longer imagine our existence. If there is a large scope of work planned for their repair or installation, a manual pipe cutter for steel pipes will greatly help. This tool will not only make your life easier, but will also significantly increase the speed of all operations.

Unlike the popular “grinder” - angular grinder- the pipe cutter is autonomous, produces less noise, and is easier to control. But despite the apparent simplicity of the device, problems arise when choosing it. In order not to make a mistake with the purchase, it is necessary to study all the features of the tool and the areas of its rational use.

Hand tools

As the name suggests, a manual pipe cutter requires some human effort to cut pipes. Thanks to a system of levers, or a circular action, the cutting edges of the tool cut the pipe product, or “remove” metal particles from its surface throughout the entire thickness of the pipe.

Depending on the diameter of the workpiece being processed, as well as its location, it is advisable to choose a manual pipe cutter for steel pipes of one of the following types:

Telescopic, which grips the cut surface with a crimping or chain device.
Secateurs, the design of which is very similar to scissors.

The advantages of a manual pipe cutter over a non-core tool are obvious. Firstly, the cut is perfectly smooth and precise. Secondly, when using a telescopic device, burrs are not formed. Thirdly, the metal structure is not destroyed, which has a beneficial effect on the strength and durability of the pipe.

Telescopic hand pipe cutters

Telescopic tools are the most popular because they require minimal effort from the user. Externally, a manual telescopic pipe cutter for steel pipes looks like a wrench. Its design is based on two brackets. On one of them there is a cutting device, on the other there are guide carriages. The staples are moved together with a special handle. This creates a pressing force.

The operating principle of the telescopic tool is simple. You clamp the pipe between the clamps, apply crimping force using the handle, and then begin to rotate the device around the cut line. When rotating, the cutters “bite” into the steel and cut off chips, going deeper into the surface of the pipe. As the clamping force weakens, you tighten the handle and continue to rotate the device.

To cut large diameter pipes, it is advisable to use a chain pipe cutter. In its design, instead of crimping brackets, a chain is installed, which also clasps and tightens the pipe. The principle of its operation is similar to a conventional telescopic device.

Cutting elements

A telescopic tool can use either cutters or rollers as cutting elements. Incisors are knives sharpened at a certain angle. When working with such a pipe cutter, the cut surface is perfectly smooth and no burrs are formed. You can even use it to remove chamfers. The area of rational use of cutters is pipes with a diameter of no more than 10 cm.

The rollers are pointed discs, similar to those found in a regular glass cutter. There can be from one to three of them in one instrument. A manual roller pipe cutter for steel pipes also gives an even cut, but burrs are formed. To cut workpieces with a diameter of 5-10 cm, it is necessary that the design have at least 3 rollers.

When choosing a telescopic pipe cutter, it is important to pay attention to the material from which the cutting elements are made. So, if you are going to cut stainless steel pipes, then they should be made of tool steel, and if steel blanks are made, they should be made of alloy steel.

Pruning shears

The design of this type of tool is very similar to scissors. On one side there is a knife for cutting, on the other there is a steel arc for convenient positioning of the workpiece. To divide the pipe into two parts, you just need to close the handles.

One of the advantages of this type of tool is the cost. If the price for manual roller pipe cutters for steel pipes varies from 1.5 to 5 thousand rubles, then for secateurs you will have to pay two to three times less.

Another advantage is ease of use. So, if to cut a pipe with a telescopic device you need to rotate it, which can be accommodated by a wall, then when using a pruning-type pipe cutter such problems will not arise.

The design of the tool implies its main drawback - cutting requires significant effort on the part of the user. Therefore, it is advisable to use such a device on thin-walled pipes.

Electric pipe cutters

To be fair, it should be mentioned that there are electric pipe cutters for steel pipes. Such devices operate from a 220V network, and this is their main drawback - they cannot work far from an outlet. The cost of tools also leaves much to be desired, but sometimes there is simply no other choice.

You should only purchase an electric pipe cutter if you have a large scope of work planned or are engaged in repairing communications at a professional level. At home, the functionality of hand tools is sufficient to perform most operations.

However, if you have a thick-walled pipe that needs to be cut, then purchasing such a device may be the only possible option.

Let's look at the operating procedure when using a telescopic pipe cutter. The first thing to do is to conveniently position the pipe so that there are no obstacles in the path of rotation of the tool. Then use a marker to mark the line along which you will divide the pipe. After that:

Using a chain or crimp clamps, secure the device to the workpiece and tighten the tightening handle.
Start making rotational movements with the tool. It is important that the first few rotations are made exactly in one line - this will mark the groove for cutting.
As the cutter or pipe cutter roller moves deeper into the material, tighten the handle, ensuring a secure grip on the pipe.
Continue until the workpiece is completely cut.

To prevent the cutters from slipping over the surface during rotation, the craftsman recommends wrapping the cut line with paper tape. The main thing is not to rush, and the cut will turn out smooth.

Hand tools for large diameter pipes

Hand-held pipe cutters for cutting large diameter pipes are professional tools. Therefore, if you are faced with the task of processing one pipe with a diameter of 30 cm or more, then it is better to use a grinder and not waste money.

On the market, manual pipe cutters for large-diameter steel pipes are represented by clamp and rotary subtypes. In the first case, the pipe is placed between two arc-shaped plates, which, as they are cut, are brought closer to each other by a special handle.

In a rotary pipe cutter for processing a product, the crimping device must be fixed only before starting work. Subsequently, the force is created using springs. With such a tool you can work in cramped conditions - when you turn 180 o, you can remove the handle, insert it into another groove and continue working.

Areas of application for hand tools

Hand tools are mainly used at home. This is due to their low productivity. At the same time, this is also driven by their cost, which is several times lower than that of electric-drive analogues.

However, in professional production situations often arise when a thick-walled pipe interferes with the work, and the use of power tools is impossible, for example, due to high humidity or explosion hazard. In such cases, the use of professional hand tools remains the only possible option. Independence from power sources is their main advantage.

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 holes in strips of sheet metal; I already had such mounts 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.

We will now 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.

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