How can I cut PVC pipe (that does NOT have the factory ends) level / square so it can stand up straight?
Question:I have a large scrap PVC pipe (just over 9" outside diameter, 6' long, 3/4" thick walls) and it does NOT have the factory cuts on the end, so the ends aren't level. If I stand the pipe up on a concrete floor, it will fall down because the ends are crooked.
How can I make a straight level cut so it will stand up on both ends at near perfect levelness? Basically, I need to reproduce the square factory cuts @ home.
The only method I can think of is to wrap duct tape around it once and overlap it a bit. When the ends of duct tape match up evenly, I'll use a marker & the edge of the duct tape like a ruler and mark around the pipe. Remove the tape, then cut w/ a jig saw on the line I just created.
Any other ideas?
Other misc. questions:
a. What kind of jig saw blade should I use?
b. Any other recommendations besides duct tape to wrap around the pipe?
Thank you!
Answers:
Buy/find a coupling that is made for that size pipe. Slip it on the uneven end, and mark or cut the pipe with the edge of the coupling as your guide. It will be perfectly square.
You can use a metal or wood blade for the cut, even a chain saw.
Or, you can leave the coupling on the uneven end. Since the coupling will create a square end it will stand upright on the coupling, it will be a little larger, therefore more stable, and you do not have to make a cut.
try using a chop saw if you want a real straight cut any blade you use should be a fine toth blade I usually use metal cutting blades for pvc cuts
Do you have a table saw with a guide for cutting off board ends? Place the pipe on the table with one end against a wall and just turn the pipe as you cut, always keeping the one end against the wall. Might work.
get a pipe cutter they are made to cut pipe like that and will give you a straight cut
Use a plastic pipecutter available at just about any hardware store (I guess they make them that big) or you'll probably need to rotate in on a lath for a perfect cut.
Or try making a jig out of plywood with a slot wide enough to fit a fine tooth cross cut saw.
The best answer for this is to use a miter box and saw. This is a saw that works with a box to align the saw at angles to your pipe. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/miter_box...
You could fashion something like this to use once by using a shoe box or such such box.
1) Cut out one end of the shoe box evenly.
2) Lay the pipe in the show box so that it overlaps the end.
3) Place your jig saw so that it keeps touching the edges of the box and cut.
4) The result should be that the cut of the pipe should be square.
But, again, the best answer would be to get a miter box. I would recommend a jigsaw blade with as many teeth per inch as possible. This would leave a smaller amount of burrs on your finished end.
Finish up whatever you do with a fine sand paper.
You have the right idea, but don't use duct tape. The duct tape will stick and be difficult to get adjusted properly. A strip of posterboard about 2" wide would be best. It will need to be about 36" long.
Wrap the strip around the pipe and pull it tight. Adjust it so the overlapping edges are lined up, and you will have a more or less clean line. Mark with a pencil. You will probably need someone to help you hold everything just right. You may want to use pieces of tape to hold the strip in place while you mark.
A jig saw will work, either a plastic or metal cutting blade. Fine wood blade will work as well. Getting it started will be a challenge, you may need to drill a hole. A better option would be a good handsaw. You can start the handsaw without a hole. After it is started, turn the pipe as you cut and cut on the side nearest you so you can see the line. Again, you may need some assistance.
After you cut, you can clean up with a file, or better a wood rasp.
A miter box would be best for this, but a box with a 10" throat is not real common. The diameter of this pipe is over 9", right?. A power miter saw would have to have at least a 22" blade to get through.
Your idea is a good one. I think using a peice of paper to wrap the pipe might be easier than tape.
The blade should be fine tooth and sharp, go slow.
Right idea with the tape but you want to use paper packing tape or construction paper, duct tape will not wrap straight where paper gummed tape will without stretching out of line.
thats the way we cut pipe in the metal shop i worked in (now retired) & it worked good.
Any saw would cut it, I have used everything from small keyhole saw to an industrial chop saw.
Put the tape in the center, measure from it and mark to make the cut.
Any saw blade will cut PVC, the Hacksaw or Fine Teeth ones make a better cut in plastic.
Chop saw would be the fastest easiest way to get a perfect cut.
In 20 years as a plumber, I found three ways to make straight cuts in PVC- 1- using a mitre box with a hacksaw, 2- using my poer pmitre saw (chopsaw) 3- using a tubing cutter. The mitre box is probably easiest and cheapest. I must also agree with Albert C- buying a coupling fitting will give you a perfect end! Hope this helps!
Quickest and guaranteed way to get a square finish is take it to a machine shop and have them put it into a lathe and face it off which will only take maybe 5 minutes at the most to do and you'll have a perfect clean square cut
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