Get tips on how to cut PVC pipe and get started on your next home improvement project with our easy-to-follow guide.
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Introduction
PVC pipe is a type of plastic piping used for a variety of plumbing applications. It is easier to work with than metal piping and is less expensive than other types of piping, such as copper. PVC pipe comes in different diameters and lengths, and you need a different cutting tool depending on the size of the pipe. You can cut PVC pipe with a handsaw, miter saw or power saw, but the method you use will vary depending on the type of saw you are using.
Materials
You will need a few tools to cut PVC pipe. A handsaw, a power saw, or a ratcheting PVC cutter will all work. You will also need a measuring tape, marking pen, and something to prop up the pipe while you are cutting it. A table saw or sawhorse will work perfectly for this.
Once you have gathered your tools, measure the length of PVC pipe you need and mark it with a pencil. Make sure to double check your measurements before cutting!
If you are using a handsaw, make slow, steady strokes along the line you marked. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can cause the saw to bind in the cut. If you are using a power saw, such as a circular saw or jigsaw, set the blade depth so that it does not go all the way through the pipe. This will prevent you from cutting into whatever is underneath the pipe.
Once you have cut through the pipe, use sandpaper or a file to remove any sharp edges from the cut surface. You can now use your PVC pipe for whatever project you had planned!
Tools
PVC pipe can be cut with a variety of tools, including a power saw with a blade designed to cut plastic, a Ratchet-style pipe cutter, or a small handsaw. A power saw will give you the cleanest cuts and is the quickest way to cut PVC pipe, but it is also the most expensive and requires the most experience to use. A Ratchet-style pipe cutter is a good middle ground between a power saw and a small handsaw—it’s less expensive than a power saw and will give you cleaner cuts than a small handsaw, but it is more difficult to use than either of those options. A small handsaw will be the cheapest and most versatile option, but it will also give you the roughest cuts.
Steps
PVC pipe is a type of plastic piping used for portable water lines and drain lines. It is easier to work with than metal piping because it cuts more easily and can be glued together with PVC solvent cement. You will need to use a hacksaw to make clean, straight cuts in PVC pipe.
-Measure the length of PVC pipe that you need to cut. Use a measuring tape to measure the length of pipe from end to end.
-Mark the cutting line on the PVC pipe. Use a permanent marker to mark the cutting line on the PVC pipe where you will make your cut.
-Cut the PVC pipe along the marked line. Place the blade of the hacksaw on the marked line and cut through the pipe with a sawing motion. Apply even pressure as you saw so that the blade does not bind in the material.
-Smooth out any rough edges on the cut end of the PVC pipe.Use a file or sandpaper to remove any burrs or roughness from the cut edge of the PVC pipe.
Cautions
There are a few things to keep in mind when working with PVC pipe. First, always wear gloves and eye protection when cutting PVC pipe. The dust created when cutting PVC pipe can be irritating to your skin and eyes. Second, make sure that the area you are working in is well ventilated. The fumes created by cutting PVC pipe can be harmful if inhaled. Finally, be sure to clean up any PVC dust that is created when cutting the pipe. PVC dust can be explosive if it is allowed to build up in a confined space.
