Stainless Pipe Cutting
Stainless pipe cutting can be difficult and time intensive. Using proper tools and methods will reduce time and effort and result in a clean, burr-free cut.
Stainless Pipe
Stainless pipe is composed of nonferrous metal. This makes the tube difficult to cut and drill with conventional tools. Different pipe grades and thicknesses increase these difficulties. Stainless steel is a mixture of multiple metal alloys for the purpose of rust resistance. The main ingredient is a mixture of at least 12% chromium. When combined with Oxygen it forms a passive film layer resistant to rust and stains.
Cutting Stainless Pipes
When stainless pipe cutters contact a stainless tube it hardens thus making it difficult to cut. If the stainless tube over heats while cutting the tube may discolor or possibly distort the pipe.
Conventional Steps To Cut Stainless Steel Pipe Straight and Burr-Free
Burr-free, straight cuts are traditionally accomplished as described below:
1. Cut the stainless steel pipe
2. Using a bench grinder stone wheel, de-burr the pipe
3. Clean the edges of the tube with a wire wheel on a bench grinder
4. Sand the tube with a sander until it is flat
5. Clean with a wire wheel
6. Weld it to the other pipe
Repetition of some of the above steps may be required to make sure the cut is flat and burr free. It is a very time consuming process.
Cutting Stainless Pipes - Two Recommended Methods
Orbital Pipe Saw
An orbital pipe saw is a recommended method to cut and bevel stainless steel pipes. The saw blades are small, rotate at high speed, are inexpensive, and are available in different versions for different materials and wall thicknesses.
Cutting is executed by manually rotating the machine housing 360 degree around the pipe. Next, with a circular toothed blade, the pipe is cut with a single rotation. The cutting action takes mere seconds and the end result is a straight and clean cut.
Saw Guide Combined with Portable Band Saw
The portable Band Saw cutter must have sufficient power and be sturdy. The Saw Guide eliminates most vibration. Steady feeds are most important to prevent the tool from riding on the stainless pipes.
Author: Michael A. Cordova - Stainless pipe marketing consultant
Category: Home Improvement
Archery Broadheads and PointsIn the early 80's, the bow manufacturers were creating much faster compound bows, which changed ...
TNC industrial name plates stands where no one can think of a holdYou can always affiliate the quality of your product with a presentable brand label. The ...
CoolSat - Your Free to Air Satellite ReceiverNever before in human history has technology moved as quickly as it moves today. Each ...
My Flying RecommendationsFlying is a fun and entertaining way to travel. There are many advantages one can ...
Spas and Hot Tubs - Relaxing Your Way to a Better HealthImagine yourself in a warm, soothing tub of bubbling water, relaxing after a long day. ...
