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Unread 03/06/2006, 06:33 PM   #1
Slickdonkey
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Cutting PVC on a table saw

Is this a bad idea? I have some 8' long 1.5" diameter PVC pipe I'd like to cut on my table saw. Cutting lots of small pieces by hand sounds like no fun at all.

I have a laminate blade that I was going to use, which I've used for cutting acrylic before.

Does anyone have any tips on this?


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Unread 03/06/2006, 06:44 PM   #2
rustybucket145
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Will be fine, just watch out for your fingers.


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Unread 03/06/2006, 07:07 PM   #3
Humuhumunuku
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Im not really familleier with laminate blades, but i would imagine it to be a fine toothed blade. Being as soft as it is pvc is no problem for a table saw, you could probably use a regular blade. Personally, i prefer a hack saw for cutting PVC.


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Unread 03/06/2006, 07:33 PM   #4
Vincerama2
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With smaller diameter PVC, it's well worth it to spend $10 on a PVC tubing cutter. They look like rose cutters and make cut nice smooth cuts. Once I bought one, I never hacksawed another PVC tube again! (Though a hacksaw and vice are handy for PVC couplings).

For small diameter tubes, it is 100 times faster and neater than a hacksaw. No pvc "sawdust" to deal with!

V


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Unread 03/06/2006, 07:39 PM   #5
Humuhumunuku
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sounds like something to look into, what is the max diamater pipe yours will cut?


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Unread 03/06/2006, 07:58 PM   #6
coolfish5
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Most of the ratcheting PVC cutters will only cut up to 1 1/4" pvc, and really work great on 1/2 up to 1". For 1.5" you could use a miter saw, table saw would work just cut slow to avoid chips.
-John


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Unread 03/06/2006, 09:40 PM   #7
BigJPDC
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The miter saw would be a lot better, as you can brace the PVC and make a good 90 degree cut. With the table saw I'd be worried about the piece rolling as you slid it through, unless you use some kind of jig to hold it square on both sides of the blade. Go slow no matter which tool you use.

A cheep-o miter box and any metal saw would also give you nice controlled cuts.

jp


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Unread 03/06/2006, 10:07 PM   #8
Fast Fred
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The ratcheting PVC cutter is the greatest thing since sliced bread! I don't own a large one, but I hear they are available in a size that cuts PVC >1.25".


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Unread 03/06/2006, 10:39 PM   #9
Tampico
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I used the table saw to cut up some pvc, but I wanted the shavings for my DIY LR. A miter saw works much better for pvc pieces that you want to use. I never feel comfortable with 1.5+ of table saw blade sticking out and trying to push round stock with a push stick.


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Unread 03/06/2006, 11:32 PM   #10
BtheReef
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If you like to do some woodworking as well, check out this tablesaw sled. It's perfect for cutting and even slotting pvc.

http://www.canadianhomeworkshop.com/...xcutting.shtml

Just thought some of you DIY guys would like it. I use it so much for my tablesaw that it just stays on there most of the time.


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Unread 03/06/2006, 11:59 PM   #11
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you can get pvc/abs ratching cutters up to 3" for not alot of cash.

miter saw would be a better choice, but if you must use your table saw-- watch your fingers.


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Unread 03/07/2006, 02:13 AM   #12
Slickdonkey
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Thanks guys. I ordered a cheap PVC cutter from Amazon. Beats getting my fingers chopped off I guess!


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Unread 03/07/2006, 01:02 PM   #13
kabboord
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Watch out they rust real easy. Wash it off with fresh water if its getting used around salt water. I'm currently on my third one, fortunately they are only 10$ at HD on the plumbing isle. Well worth it simply for the fact there is no PVC dust left.


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Unread 03/07/2006, 04:26 PM   #14
lbear
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HD also sells bigger PVC cutter for 1.5" pipe. It's about $40. I own a $10 one, works great!


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Unread 03/08/2006, 10:19 AM   #15
RandyStacyE
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I love using a miter saw to cut PVC perfectly. My ratcheting PVC cutter cuts a little crooked but I love it for quick deals.


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Unread 03/08/2006, 10:46 AM   #16
Corruptor
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Quote:
Originally posted by Reef Base
If you like to do some woodworking as well, check out this tablesaw sled.
I second that. I do a lot of wood and plastic work, and the sled is one of the most useful table jigs around. Add a couple of clamps and you won't have to get your fingers anywhere near the blade.


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Unread 03/08/2006, 03:06 PM   #17
Vincerama2
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If you are a hobbiest (and not a serious woodworker) the Ryobi BT3100 tablesaw has a mitre table (sliding table, not just guide) which is economical ($300 or so for the saw).

I agree that the ratcheting hand held pvc cutters seem to cut at a very slight angle. Weird.

You can also use the "can opener/c clamp" tubing cutters too, but they leave a slightly bulged cut, which might require a bit of sanding, if you are fitting the ends into couplings.

V


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Unread 03/09/2006, 03:37 PM   #18
schristi69
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I have found the ratcheting cutters work like crap on thin wall PVC. The PVC flexes before the blade can cut. The cut also comes out crooked mor of the time. I use a back saw and mitre box. A mitre/chop/Radial arm saw works real well also.


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Unread 03/09/2006, 05:26 PM   #19
newty
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A blade made for cutting metal works well for cutting PVC. It makes smooth cut sites.

Shawn


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Unread 03/09/2006, 05:33 PM   #20
RandyStacyE
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newty

You're absolutely right. I love abrasive saws when cutting PVC (not acrylic though - it melts).


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Unread 03/09/2006, 08:24 PM   #21
tripstank
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Wrong Wrong Wrong. Cut the PVC using a plastic cutting blade with a Three Chip Grind (TCG) tooth pattern. Forrest Blades makes one. They are about 140-160.00 for a 80 tooth 10inch blade. Do not use an abrasive saw, you will just melt the pvc. If you are cutting tube, use a tubing cutter such a Ridgid about 50-70.00 at any good plumbing store. Do not use a standard wood cutting blade, it will melt the pvc and you will get a POOR cut. I have worked in plastic fabrication for five years now, trust me, get a blade that works. Whoever recommended the sled for the table is also 100% correct. Except, don't buy one, it will kill you in shipping. Just make one! If you are a DIY guy, you should be able to figure it out. Just make sure you key it properly to the table saw to get perfectly parallel cuts. Use the right tools for the job any less and you are going to create a half a##ed piecee that will not work.


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Unread 03/10/2006, 12:15 AM   #22
BtheReef
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Well, I can say from experience that a $10 masonary blade from Lowe's is great for cutting PVC. I learned this trick from a fellow RC guy named dhnguyen. The pictures from his project are below. The link if you are interested in what the heck it is:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...hreadid=790770



I've had equally good results using this type of blade as well. Here is an example of the blade used (in a miter saw):

http://www.ebladedirect.net/product...teria=&PT_ID=74

Good Luck!


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Unread 03/10/2006, 01:58 AM   #23
Jive Turkey
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Quote:
Originally posted by Vincerama2
With smaller diameter PVC, it's well worth it to spend $10 on a PVC tubing cutter. They look like rose cutters and make cut nice smooth cuts. Once I bought one, I never hacksawed another PVC tube again! (Though a hacksaw and vice are handy for PVC couplings).

For small diameter tubes, it is 100 times faster and neater than a hacksaw. No pvc "sawdust" to deal with!

V
These work very nicely for 1" pipe, but a tablesaw or better yet, a chop saw will be your best bet for 1.5 and 2" pipe. Cut slowly or the end will get chipped. But beware if you are cutting just a half inch off the end, sometimes they will shatter and sting you in the face.
Safety glasses.


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Unread 03/10/2006, 05:11 AM   #24
gmatt
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Quote:
Originally posted by BtheReef
If you like to do some woodworking as well, check out this tablesaw sled. It's perfect for cutting and even slotting pvc.

http://www.canadianhomeworkshop.com/...xcutting.shtml

Just thought some of you DIY guys would like it. I use it so much for my tablesaw that it just stays on there most of the time.
Great link Thanks!


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Unread 03/10/2006, 07:01 AM   #25
RandyStacyE
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Quote:
Originally posted by tripstank
Wrong Wrong Wrong. Cut the PVC using a plastic cutting blade with a Three Chip Grind (TCG) tooth pattern. Forrest Blades makes one. They are about 140-160.00 for a 80 tooth 10inch blade. Do not use an abrasive saw
So every time we cut using an abrasive saw we were dilusional ~ we actually need to spend $150.00 to cut some $3.00 PVC for some DIY projects.


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