Cutter for Large Diameter PVC Pipe

[Ron Lombardo]

... what would you use to cut large diameter PVC pipe ..say 16" and down to 4" ... the typical tools like a sawzall will work ... but I;m thinking a gas saw, or a chain saw with maybe a special blade ... just brain storming here ... I have large project coming up with a large amount / footage of large leader pipe in a large warehouse.

 

[slopdog]

we just last week finished up a job . With 6 in . 4 in and 2 in pcv pipe . The pipe was the type that had a rubber gasket to seal . We used a chainsaw to cut the 6 in and a 5 in grinder with a zipcut wheel to cut the 4 in and 2 in . After the cut we would retaper the ends with the grinder , Worked out quiet well .

 

[Charles (in GA)]

PVC hand pipe saw. Lennox makes it, cuts fast and the blade is wide so you get straight cuts (if you hold the saw straight) and nothing crooked or wavy.

For lots of cutting, and super large sizes, dunno.

Charles

 

[dirtmister16]

when i worked at a lumberyard we just used the radial arm saw. we would cut full pieces down to other sizes we were out of on the shelves.

worked well. the only problem i could see was it wasn't always straight, id rather have a chop saw so it would be good and straight.

 

[Engineer61]

For 16" PVC pipe I think I would use one of these saws

Probably the 3 foot one, and the site also sells an auxiliary handle for two man operation.

And here's another place to buy something similar, but less expensive.

 

[luvit]

PLAS In-Line Rotary Cutters -- i would not have patience to setup one of these cutters and would probably use the repiricating saw.
but if you lack electric i would not hesitate to try a chain saw and standard chainsaw blade.
just make sure you know how to quickly and correctly resharpen between uses.. i have no idea

if rotating the pipe is possible, then a circular saw.

.

 

[Ron Lombardo]

Thanks ... the hand saws I think will be too time consuming ... but I;m interested to hear about the chain saw ... did you use electric ? So you were cutting SDR 35 the gasketed pipe ? So you used a std chain saw teeth ? The grinder I think would be as effective as the gas saw with an abrasive blade ... the chain saw ..hmm

 

[Ron Lombardo]

Te circular saw I;m also thinking might be a good idea ... I seen people use the blade backwards ... because pvc in the winter can be brittle ... but the circular saw will be easy to replace blades .... the gas saw they have to get two stroke oil and gas ... I;m looking for simplicy ....

 

[luvit]

yeah, i think the circular saw with the blade set normally would be good if cutting slowly...
i've not cut anything with the blade backwards, but i would think that's a practice for really thin material.
circular saw with the blade in normally would likely be more gentle than a chainsaw in the wintertime..

.

 

[Ron Lombardo]

maybe a circ saw blade where the teeth are close together ... like the ones for ferrous
metal .... hey thanks for the brain stormin..

 

[RCStocker]

I use Ridgid pipe saws. When I have a lot of pieces to cut I use one of my bandsaws. I have horizontal and vertical. I cut things to length and then Install them on the job. I have 20 inch band saw with a wood cradle that works well. I have a sawsall as well.
I find that there is never really that much cutting and the Ridgid pipe saw works well on all sizes.

 

[The Frisco Kid]

Miter saw.

Pro-tip!!!

If you use a hand saw, point your index finger forward (like making a gun with your hand) when you use the saw. You'll be amazed how much straighter your cuts will be!

 

[Sureshot]

I used a table saw to cut a bunch of plastic barrels. Made a stop of sorts to turn the barrel against. Maybe if you have lots to do you could make a jig or set of rollers that mount to the table top. A high tooth count and the pipe right over the blade should make a nice cut.

 

[gmwelder86]

Gas powered cut off saw. That and a wrap around to make a straight line and done. Did a bunch of 12-14" thick PVC this way worked awesome.

 

[Ron Lombardo]

" Gas powered cut off saw. That and a wrap around to make a straight line and done. Did a bunch of 12-14" thick PVC this way worked awesome."


This is how we normally cut the large diameter pvc, cast iron and ductile ...

thanks again ... maybe I will try monday in the shop to see whats the easiest method.

 

[wxm]

Miter saw.

^^^^^^^ +1 foe miter saw.

 

[Ron Lombardo]

... which model miter saw can I use for 16" pipe ... not sure they open this wide ?

 

[slopdog]

A miter saw or just a plain chopsaw would be great for smaller pipe . When we did our job we were at the site . So a plain chainsaw .regular chain did a good job . ( hint = rev saw to high rpm,s and feed slowly )
We used a genset to power the grinder for cutting the smaller pipe .
The great thing about the chainsaw was how fast we were able to cut the larger saw.

 

[mrotis38]

I built this using a craftsman miter saw for cutting meter pits ranging from 18" to 24"

 

[5ubtle]

I built this using a craftsman miter saw for cutting meter pits ranging from 18" to 24"

Can you give us a bigger picture? I can't see what you've got.

 

[mrotis38]

Can you give us a bigger picture? I can't see what you've got.

 

[motorcycle79]

the above looks like it would work good. Add a few bearings and I bet it’s mint

 

[mrotis38]

the above looks like it would work good. Add a few bearings and I bet it’s mint

Yeah since this 1st photo I've added these bars (shown in attached picture) one on back side and one on bottom. Then I'm thinking of attaching these transfer ball bearing rollers (shown in second picture) to accommodate the linear and rotational movement of pipe. I previously tried 10" dolly tires but the pipe just bent the 5/8" studs I had holding them.

 

[RReis]

How large are the lengths to start with that you are ripping the meter pits from? Would you happen to have a video of your setup in action?