[idleup]

What is the best tool to cut soft tubing? I have a crude pipe-cutter that did not cut well and it says not to use a hacksaw in the manual. So what are you all using to cut the soft metal tubing? Maybe a link would be nice since if it is supposed to be a pipe-cutter I can get one better than the one I have.

- Matt

 

[rv8bldr]

Hi Matt

I used a really small pipe cutter. I think the maximum pipe size was 3/4" or something, and the cutter fit in the palm of my hand. I picked it up at a regular hardware store.

Cheers

 

[Jekyll]

I use a band saw when I can and then dress the cut VERY well and clean the debris from the inside. Tubing cutter works but it must be used gingerly or you will crush the tube. I find the band saw much easier because it only needs 2 hand while the tubing cutter always makes me wish I 3 or 4 hands.

Jekyll

 

[Build9A]

small handheld

A small handheld like the one shown on this link worked fine for me and you could get in tight spaces. The link is harbour freight, but I think I bought mine at Lowes. Jack

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92878

 

[rsaltsman]

Cleaveland Tools has a small tubing cutter that works very well with no extra debris to deal with.

 

[LettersFromFlyoverCountry]

The small tube cutter you can buy at Home Depot works fine. If you 've had one for awhile and it's not cutting very well, they also sell replacement blades.

Dont' force it, let the cutter do the work...and clean up the cut before (and afer flaring) with fine sandpaper.

 

[RScott]

I have one similar to the HF one shown here: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92878
HF price is only a little less than I paid at the local hardware store. Home Depot charges an exorbitant $20 (well, $19.98) for a similar item. I used mine for 3/4" copper pipe on a regular basis when I plumbed my air lines and the aluminum tubing is a cinch with this little cutter.