A pipe cutter, as the name suggests, is a tool to cut pipes. Besides producing a clean cut, the tool is often a faster and more convenient way of cutting pipes.

If you are interested in working in the field of piping, there are several key terms that you should understand. This guide covers some of the common methods of pipe cutting like cold sawing, laser cutting, band saw cutting, lathe cutting, abrasive cutting and rotary cutting.

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Band saw cutting

Band saw cutting is a fully automatic process and the most common method for cutting pipes. A band saw uses a blade consisting of a continuous band of metal with teeth along one edge.

I recommend: Sawdust Making 101 publishes detailed information on band saw cutting and its usage.

Cold sawing

Cold sawing uses a circular saw blade to cut metal. The name, cold saw, comes from the particular metal cutting process. These machines transfer the heat generated by cutting to the chips created by the saw blade. As a result, the blade and material being cut remain cold.

I recommend: Government of South Australia's Department of Education and Children’s Services (DECS) publishes an informative article (on a PDF) about on the cold sawing process.

Laser cutting

Laser cutting is a technology that uses a laser to cut materials. In laser cutting technology, pipes or other materials are cut by directing the output of a high-power laser at them. The material then either melts, burns, vaporizes away or is blown away by a jet of gas, leaving an edge with a high-quality surface finish.

I recommend: Control Micro Systems publishes information on laser cutting technology. You can also refer to Laser Cutting Sheet Metal, a reputable sheet metal company, to understand the laser cutting process.

Lathe cutting

Lathe cutting is another method for cutting pipes. A lathe is a machine that turns a block of material, touches a cutting tool to it and cuts the material. Lathe cutting is best suited for thin-walled material, producing square cut ends with minimum burr.

I recommend: National Maritime Research Institute provides information about lathe cutting. Additionally, Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Department of Mechanical Engineering also publishes detailed information about lathe cutting.

Abrasive cutting

Abrasive cutting uses an abrasive disc to cut metals. These discs usually wear out during the cutting process. Since this process uses a burning action, it is not efficient for thick-walled material.

I recommend: You can refer to the Encyclopedia of Bosch Power Tools, by Bosch, for an explanation of the term abrasive cutting. Additionally, you can refer to wiseGEEK, an online resource, for an informative article on abrasive cutting tools and their application.

Rotary cutting

The rotary cutting process rotates a pipe or tube and cuts it with a rotating blade. Since it is a chip-less cutting method, it does not waste any material and thus reduces subsequent cleaning operations.

I recommend: The Fabricator, an online metal fabricating source, publishes an article on rotary cutting and its application.

Before you start shopping, evaluate the type of pipe-cutting tools you use the most; consider the amount of time you spend cutting heavy duty industrial pipes or oversized pipes. Educate yourself on the different types, sizes and prices of pipe-cutting tool for sale. The more information about pipe-cutting tools you gather, the easier it'll be to determine exactly which tools you should purchase.

Opt for a mixture of cordless pipe-cutting tools, power pipe-cutting tools and manual cutters so you're prepared for any situation. Pick up each tool so you can judge the comfort of the way it fits your hand and the weight of the tool. Look for pipe-cutters that are comfortable for you to hold when using.

1. Select the right tool for cutting pipes made of plastic.

2. Look for a cutting tool for pipes made of metals.

3. Deal with a pipe-cutting manufacturer with a professional reputation.

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Choose pipe-cutting tools for PVC pipe

Educate yourself on the uses of each type of pipe-cutting tool so you have the proper tool on hand for each job. Look for pipe-cutting tools designed for use on plastic piping and tubing and use those cutters on PVC and other plastic pipes.

I recommend: General Tools & Instruments has a line of pipe-cutting tools designed for plastic pipe such as PVC pipe. Farmtek has several pipe-cutting tools for you to choose from for your plastic pipe-cutting needs.

Purchase pipe-cutting tools for metal pipes

Choose a pipe-cutting tool designed to cut through metal pipes. Look for tools that are rugged and designed to stand up to hard use. Evaluate the blade material and the construction of the pipe-cutting tool so you know the pipe-cutting tool you select will work as hard as you do.

I recommend: Northern Tool & Equipment has several options for cutting through metal pipe, including cordless rebar cutters. Ridgid offers a variety of pipe-cutting tools for you to select from to ensure you have the proper tool for the job.

Partner with reliable sellers and makers of pipe-cutting tools

Develop a relationship with your pipe-cutting tool suppliers to arrange the best possible price for your tools. Discuss shipping costs and return policies so you know exactly what to expect before you commit yourself to doing business with any one company or organization.

I recommend: Esco Tool is a pipe-cutting tool manufacturer that features many easy-to-use and portable pipe-cutting tools for sale. Vernon Tool sells heavy-duty pipe-cutting tools designed for cutting large and industrial pipe.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask pipe-cutting tool manufacturers and suppliers about service warranties and repair policies so you can choose wisely when you're selecting pipe-cutting tools for your business.

For pipe-cutting tool suppliers, it is always beneficial to update your knowledge about the various types of pipe-cutting tools. You can stay ahead of your competition by having up-to-date information about the latest technologies and products in the field of pipe cutting.

If you are a pipe-cutting manufacturer or a pipe-cutting tool supplier, you can read through different magazines and online publications to acquire information about new techniques and developments in the field of pipe-cutting tools.

To educate yourself and/or your employees on the various pipe-cutting tools, you can:

1. Read through basic information about pipe-cutting tools
2. Join training programs on pipe-cutting tools
3. Subscribe to magazines that provide information on pipe-cutting tools
4. Join associations catering to the pipe-cutting tools industry
5. Seek an expert's advice in case of any doubts or queries regarding pipe-cutting tools
6. Understand safety procedures while using pipe-cutting tools

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Understand the basics of pipe-cutting tools and the relevant terminology

Some of the fastest and most reliable information can come from online resources. You can find basic information on pipe-cutting tools by browsing through different resources, such as encyclopedias and other websites.

I recommend: For makers of pipe-cutting tools, The Fabricator, an online metal fabricating source, offers informative articles on the pipe cutting process. An editorial by TPJ - The Tube & Pipe Journal explains the various pipe cutting techniques and their advantages and limitations.

Find basic training programs explaining the use of pipe cutting tools

If you have never used a pipe-cutting tool, you can opt for a basic level training program. Such training programs give detailed knowledge about the pipe-cutting industry and the various pipe cutting tools.

I recommend: The Center for Professional Advancement offers a course called ‘Piping Design, Analysis and Fabrication’ that is beneficial to pipe-cutting tool manufacturers. In addition, Tennessee Career Information Delivery System (TCIDS) offers a basic training course for the makers of pipe-cutting tools.

Update your knowledge about pipe cutting tools and the relevant technology

Online journals can provide up-to-date information about the latest pipe-cutting tools for sale and the various suppliers of pipe-cutting tools. You can subscribe to such journals to keep track of all developments in the pipe-cutting field. You can also join various associations in the piping industry.

I recommend: Journal of Materials Processing Technology offers informative articles on a new mechanism for the pipe cutting process. For a maker of pipe-cutting tools, being a member of Tube & Pipe Association, International will give you a platform for communication and interaction with the experts, service providers and customers of pipe-cutting tools.