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IF making a shorty????
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 12:51 pm
by "Wild Bad Bob"
If I was to make a shorty out of a greenie or goldie, what is the preferred method/tool to cut the tubes? Not having or access to a electric metal cutting band saw, which as I right this in my dyslectic brain, came to me as I was tipeing.
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 1:59 pm
by smokinjoe79
I know a method you COULD use is to mount the tubes as you would to clean them, but make sure the support is right next to the cut. When turning, you can steady a hacksaw at the cut mark and slowly "cut" back and forth on that spot as you normally would if the tube weren't spinning. That prevents the teeth from wearing in a flash. Ive done this before with different applications with success. As long as the speed is kept low, it works very nicely. Make sure you start with extremely light pressure on the back saw to start a groove before really going at it, otherwise it will walk.
Hope this helps!
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 2:13 pm
by fredsheldon
I just used a hacksaw if I recall. It doesn't have to be a straight cut, and I finished up with a file.
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 2:36 pm
by ljhhontx
A pipe cutter if you have one available. 4 wheel would be best.
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 2:57 pm
by JPG
I have been the pipe cutter route. Not a pleasant experience(but then the pipe cutter was from HF:eek:). I since have acquired a rigid version. Have not yet tried it.
I think the 'easiest' way will be a roto zip with a cutoff wheel. I have cut other 'pipe' with it. Let the dinosaurs and decayed vegetation do all the grunt work.

Reciprocating saw from HF...
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 3:02 pm
by 2centsworth
The reciprocating saw for $20 from harbor freight works great. Different type blades available. Trust me I've cut over a dozen so far.
[ATTACH]25973[/ATTACH]
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 4:34 pm
by joedw00
I have used this method two times, works great and is fast. Here are the plans I used. I wish I had used the roller blade wheel, but I used what I had. I use this method to clean the tubes too. [ATTACH]25976[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]25974[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]25975[/ATTACH]
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 7:15 pm
by ChrisNeilan
I used my sawzall (reciprocating saw) with a metal cutting blade. Made short work of it!(pun intended):D
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 2:38 am
by "Wild Bad Bob"
Thanks guys, for got about a cut off wheel on a hand grinder, did not think the sawsall would be up to it even with the right blades, may not be straight enough. I have both. I am guessing the way that they go into there appropriate fixtures, they dont have to be perfectly square at the ends???
No hand sawing!!!!!!!!!
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 4:29 am
by "Wild Bad Bob"
joedw00,
what kinda chuck is that on the ER in your pic? I would appreciate more info on it please.