Shopsmith Forums

I'm sure there are a variety of methods for cutting the tubes down. What are my alternatives? What method have you used? Need some suggestions. Thanks for your input.

You can cut the tubes with a hacksaw, I bought a reciprating saw at Harbor Freight for $20 bucks and a pack of 6 inch blades and it cuts the tubes like a hot knife thru butter. As always measure twice and cut once. They cut very smooth but I did file them off after I cut them. You will love the results and have fun with your new SHORTY !

A GOOD pipe cutter, an abrasive cutoff wheel, and a 'manual' hack saw.

I used a piece of cardboard around the tube and mark where I want to cut the tube. I find this helps regradless of how you cut the tube. I find that a heavy duty pipe cutter works but I misplaced mine too often and could not find it. With a hand hack saw, I would just cut just through the tube and then rotate the tube about 30 deg and cut on the line until through again. I keep rotating the tube until I have cut all the way around the tube. I could never just saw straight through the tube without going off at an angle. I have been using a metal cutting HF bandsaw for the past few years as I quickly got tired using other methods. I know a few people have used a metal cutting chop saw (less than $80 at HF with coupon).

Thanks for the responses. Gives me a few options to consider. I always like a new toy, er, I mean, tool--but I already have a hacksaw and now a technique for using it for this task. Thanks to all for the input!