Selection and production of pipe cutters for steel pipes. Pipe cutter for steel pipes: types, tips for selecting a model and nuances of proper operation Homemade pipe cutter for metal

Using steel pipes of various diameters, you will probably encounter the need to adjust them, namely cutting. You can use many different tools to solve this problem, but 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 of poor quality, so we recommend using an electric tool, such as a circular saw, which will speed up the cutting process and also improve the quality of the result.

The best solution for sawing 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 cuts of different thicknesses and at different angles without losing precision.

Laser cutting will help achieve the most perfect cut, but it is not practical to use 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: the maximum and minimum cross-section of the pipe, as well as the material that can be cut by 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 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.

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 a manual type and cuts 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 advantages of hand tools include compactness, because you can use them to make cuts at high altitudes or in hard-to-reach places.

Electric pipe cutter for steel pipes large diameter It is better suited than a manual one; in addition, it allows you to complete a large amount of 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. Another advantage is the ease of cutting, which is performed by an 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 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 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 needed.

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

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 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:

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 this purpose;
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 this type of cutting on a pipe with 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:

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.

Having completed the cutting in this way, you will also need to align the internal diameter, because with such a cut the internal 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 – German company, which 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 quality equipment at a low price, but it is distinguished by 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.

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 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.

Installation and repair of intra-house pipeline communications involves the use of a tool that ensures ideal straight 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. A homemade unit will prove that cutting pipes is a simple task!

Only the reliable tool for steel pipes. Depending on their intended purpose, pipe cutters differ:

Mechanism of action:

with pneumatic drive;
with hydraulic drive;
electric;
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 a universal option that 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 as 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 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 masters did not stop at the application of purely hand 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 of 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 handle a short time with a wide range of tasks. 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 Supplies have 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 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.

If you install communications in the house yourself or plan to repair the pipeline yourself, then without this important tool, like a pipe cutter, is indispensable on the farm. 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.

According to the mechanism of action:
- manual;
- electrical;
- with hydraulic drive;
- with pneumatic drive.
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.
According to the product design:
- roller (models with 1 or 3 rollers are produced);
- rotary;
- with ratchet mechanism;
- incisal;
- 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.

The second common version of a manual pipe cutter is a roller one. 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 this case is 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:

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.
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 your work area 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

Among various types Steel pipes remain 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 models manual use 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(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 cuts (10-60 mm)	11 600
Kopco St	strong and durable disc for working with the most different pipes(3-120 mm)	23 000

As you can see, the pricing policy is determined by the functionality of the pipe cutter, the range of pipes it can work with, 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 using mechanical force 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 fragment of the 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 performing 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, the following types of tools are distinguished:

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, machine tools, 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 relevant for the further use of pipes in water supply systems);
quality of the pipe surface after cutting (a smooth surface is required in cases of threading the pipe in the future);
production volumes (home conditions or industrial scale).

Accordingly, they allocate following methods steel pipe cutting:

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 the cutting element. The pipe is fixed with clamps on a special table (using equipment), on which the laser head is located. The pipe is rotated by a 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 is a safe cutting method, 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

A pipe cutter for steel pipes, which is used for high-quality cutting, is a professional device with which you can cut pipes of any diameter (including large ones) and at almost any angle, 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 operate with high productivity, which allows them to be used in production.

The advantages of the device are as follows:

high quality of the surface of the cut pipe (no burrs, roughness, edges are 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 with the basic rules of working with it, but also on 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 for a long time. 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 accessible 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 specified 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 in 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.