Pipe cutter on PVC

[seagull369]

Just wondering if anyone out there might know if I'd be able to use a pipe/tube cutter (similar to the one pictured) to make acceptable cuts on PVC, or even ABS for that matter. I've had good results using a metal chopsaw to cut PVC in the past, but obviously can't really use that in all situations. I've got a pipe cutter and was just curious if it'd work.

 

[PoorOwner]

It works for schedule 40 but probably won’t cut deep enough for schedule 80.

 

[Aquamoose]

https://www.google.com/search?q=pvc...oECA4QAw&biw=375&bih=543#imgrc=moccWM1QZdIvXM


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[Chucktin]

I have only once seen that sort of pipe cutter for PVC, 1980s. Looked to be a good idea but I guess it did not prove to be that popular. Mostly I see the scissors variety in HD or Lowe's.
Maybe a PVC supply house that routinely handles schedule 80 would have them.

 

[seagull369]

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking of the thicker schedule when I asked the question. ] I tried a google search on the subject before posting, but was was only coming up with those scissor/ratcheting-type cutters. I do own a pair of the non-ratcheting kind, but it's only good on smaller diameters.

 

[bob_the_builder]

Ridge makes ones special for PVC and ABS. The frames are all the same for plastic but they make different blades (wheels) for the different types of plastic and different wall thicknesses. The steel cutters work but they are very heavy duty for for plastic.


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[The Cobbler]

the cutter you pictured is heavy for use on plastic. it probably will work, but they do make tube cutters with plastic cutting wheels that are much less weight. I have 2 of them that will do up to 2" pipe with ease . 3" & 4" I use a miter saw https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pipe-Cutte...533862?hash=item4d8f6970e6:g:GGIAAOSw6y5cjEjs

 

[tonyciambrone]

I use a m12 pvc shear at work for up to 1.5". Bigger stuff I use my Milwaukee Portaband. I also have a knipex plastic pipe cutter for 3/4 and 1/2". I think a pipe cutter would be pretty tedious

 

[mobiledynamics]

The tooling weight is not the issue. It's just ~alot~ of work to rotate that dang tool over and over on Sch 40 pipe...

 

[dutchgray]

If you do use that pipe cutter on PVC don't expect it to be any good on copper again.

 

[metaldad]

the orange box has a single stroke ridgid cutter #pc1375 for sale @ 25
the better one, #rc2375, is about $60 on ebay and amazon
i'm running about 200' of 3/4 sch 80 tomorrow. i have just about every saw made, available. my cutting tool choice will the the ratcheting ridgid

 

[mobiledynamics]

I have the ratcheting that goes up to 3" I think....it's huge. don't like it. cuts are not perfectly square....slight deflection as it bottoms out.

Small pipe like 3/4 not a problem. If 1 1/2 - 2", IMO the cuts I get on them are not perfectly square.

It's the OCD in me. Gotta have square cuts/ Even when working with BX cable, cuts gotta be square..

 

[Waterjunky]

On anything over about 1.5" I just use my miter saw. Anything under and i use the ratcheting type cutter mentioned above.

It may not be perfect but it has always performed well for me.

 

[Dadillac]

I have always used my Sawzall or my miter saw. Quick and easy

Don

 

[Treeman]

I've tried the pictured pipe cutter on 1.5 and 2.0 schedule 40. Maybe my wheel is dull, but instead of cutting cleanly into the plastic, it sort of pushes into the plastic and creates a ridge as it is is displacing the plastic. About 2/3 through and it kind of binds up.

Maybe a new wheel would work better, but the other cutters mentioned above are probably better. I saw mine.

 

[KnurledNut]

If you're in a pinch and only have a few cuts, throw on some heavy gloves, grab a piece of stringline, and "saw" it back and forth (pulling towards you) through the pipe.

 

[mark#3]

I used a hack saw

 

[Aquamoose]

The trick to using the “guillotine” cutter on larger diameter is to rotate the pipe while cutting. That method always gets me straight cuts.


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[cmandp]

I've used my Ridgid 1/8" - 2" pipe cutter before, just used the cutting wheel that was in it which has cut plenty of metal pipe.

It takes a little while to make the cut and if the rollers are dirty they make the PVC dirty. I would prefer to cut it with a miter saw, handsaw or my Hackzall but sometimes you need to make a cut on an installed pipe in a tight spot.

 

[seagull369]

I already have a cutter like the one I showed and would rather not have to buy another tool if I've something got already that more or less would work. I'm not working with PVC everyday, so if it takes a little bit more time or effort it's no biggie. I'll give it a shot and I'll be sure to install a wheel/clean the tool up before using it.

Thanks again for the help.

 

[toplessHO]

try one of those multiwheel cutters used for auto exhaust work

 

[Dagny]

Any chop saw is hard to beat perfectly square and very fast. use your head with short pieces