If you’re wondering how to cut copper pipe the right way, then read this blog post! You’ll learn the best techniques for cutting copper pipe, so that you can get the job done quickly and efficiently.
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Introduction
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you may need to learn how to cut copper pipe the right way. Here’s what you need to know.
Copper pipe is most often used for water supply lines and refrigerant lines in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems. It is also commonly used for electrical grounding in homes and businesses. While copper pipe is durable and long-lasting, it sometimes needs to be cut to size during installation or repair.
There are several ways to cut copper pipe, but the most common is with a tubing cutter. A tubing cutter is a handheld tool that has a cutting wheel that scoring the outside of the pipe as it is turned. The cutter is then moved along the length of the pipe to make a clean, straight cut.
Here’s how to use a tubing cutter to cut copper pipe:
1. Measure the length of copper pipe you need and mark it with a pencil.
2. Place the cutting wheel of the tubing cutter on the marked line and tighten the knob until the blade is touching the pipe. Be sure not to over-tighten as this can damage the cutter or distort the shape of the pipe.
3. Turn the knob to rotate the cutting wheel around the circumference of the pipe. Continue turning until you’ve made one complete revolution aroundthe pipe. You should now have a small groove scoredinto the surface ofthepipe where you will make your cut.
4 . Place the blade ofa hacksaw intothe groove and saw throughthepipealongthelineyou scoredwiththetubingcutter
The Right Tools for the Job
While you can cut copper pipes with a variety of different tools, the best way to ensure a clean, precise cut is to use a tubing cutter. A tubing cutter is a handheld tool that looks like a mini version of a pipe cutter. It has a small cutting wheel that is used to score the pipe, and a handle that is used to rotate the cutting wheel around the pipe.
Tubing cutters come in different sizes, so be sure to select one that is the right size for the copper pipe you are working with. For example, if you are working with ½-inch copper pipe, you will need a ½-inch tubing cutter.
In addition to a tubing cutter, you will also need a dust mask and safety glasses. Cutting copper pipe produces a lot of dust, so it’s important to protect your lungs and eyes from the debris.
Cutting the Pipe
Cutting the pipe is the most important part of the process, and there are a few different ways that you can do it. The first is to use a hacksaw, which is the most common method. You’ll need to be very careful when you’re using a hacksaw, though, as it’s very easy to slip and damage the pipe.
Another option is to use a rotary tool with a cutting blade attachment. This is a much faster way to cut the pipe, but it’s also more dangerous. If you’re not careful, you could easily injure yourself with the rotary tool.
Once you’ve cut the pipe, you’ll need to deburr the edges with a file or sandpaper. This will help to prevent any sharp edges from damaging the tubing or causing leaks.
Deburring the Pipe
Before you can start cutting your copper pipe, you need to remove any sharp edges or “burrs” from the end of the pipe. These burrs can cause the cutting tool to slip, resulting in an inaccurate cut or even personal injury.
There are a few different ways that you can deburr a piece of pipe. You can use a utility knife to carefully scrape away the burrs, or you can use a handheld rotary tool with a grinding attachment.
If you’re using a utility knife, be very careful not to damage the surface of the pipe. Scrape away the burrs until they are level with the rest of the pipe.
If you’re using a rotary tool, put on your safety glasses and hold the pipe securely in one hand. With the other hand, guide the grinding attachment along the edge of the pipe to remove the burrs. Be careful not to grind too deeply or you could damage the pipe.
Reaming the Pipe
Once you have the pipe cut to the length you need it, you will need to ream the end of the pipe to remove any burrs from the cutting process. You can do this with a pipe reamer, a deburring tool, or a file. Be sure to remove any sharp edges from the end of the pipe so that it will be safe to handle.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a quick and easy guide on how to cut copper pipe the right way. Remember to always use proper safety equipment when working with tools and be sure to double check your measurements before making any cuts. With these tips in mind, you should be able to successfully cut copper pipe like a pro!
