Shopsmith Forums

Hacksasw/sawall/cut off wheel/pipe cutter/whatever works.

I recommend the pipe cutter(nicer ends result). Will create a small od increase at the end edge that is easily chamfered off.

drGeek wrote:Dusty,

What method did you use to cut/shorten the tubes? I have a single extra tube I would like to cut in half to make a lathe extension for my 10er. I do not have a metal cutting bandsaw, but I do have a sawzall reciprocating saw and an angle grinder...or...elbow grease...
I'd appreciate your seasoned opinion, and anyone else's too!

Thanks,
jeff

I used an inexpensive (cheap) pipe cutter. It readily made one piece into two but I was not thrilled about the quality of the cut. I spent a lot of time cleaning up those cuts with a coarse file.

Now, seriously, the ends of the tubes get tucked away in the castings where you can't see them so what difference does it make?

I have cut many bundles of pipe on a Rigid power vise pipe cutter. If I had that choice, that is the way I would go. A power vise.

I can’t answer for Dusty, but when I made my Shorty I cut the tubes with my sawzall and a metal cutting blade. Cuts like butter! I have also cut fence pipe with a standard demo blade, but the cuts were a little rough. By the way, after cutting the tubes, you can de-burr and square them up with the sanding disc.

I have never tried this, but I would take them to Lowe's and ask them to cut them for me if I didn't have the tools to do it.