Using pipe cutter on bimini tubing

[SRQsailor]

I have used a standard (but large size) pipe cutter to cut my SS bimini pipes as well as my SS dinghy davits. 1" to 1 1/4". Probably a dozen cuts total. No problems with the cutter yet. This is one job I might not try to do with a Harbor Freight version though.

[DanielI]

Forget about cutting, I want to know how you bend it!

[kayakerChuck]

I use the Rigid pipe cutter. I own a canvas shop & cut plenty of SS tubing. Go slow, no more than 1/4 turn tighter per revolution.

The ends will be VERY sharp after cutting. Be aware.

Angle grinders work great, but they make an impressive mess.

[MicHughV]

I used a small local hardware type pipe cutter to cut the 1" s/s tube for my first boats bimini and dodger...never had any trouble doing it....the trick is to make very tiny cuts, ie, turn the threaded bolt just enough till you feel pressure, and then swirl round and round, when this gets easy to do, turn the threaded bolt another quarter turn or so and continue on.
didn't take any time...slow and easy is the trick...

as the above poster sez...it will leave a sharp edge, give it a few whacks with a file to dull the edges and get rid of any burrs...

[friz]

Originally Posted by Dsanduril

The right tubing/pipe cutter will do a very nice job. Absolutely must have a wheel designed to cut stainless (some are dual purpose and also cut copper, most cheap ones are only for softer metals). If the end won’t be hidden in a cup then put a single layer of tape around the tube to help protect the surface from minor marring that could occur from the rollers.

I believe Bimini tubing, round or square is Aluminum. I would expect to see SS on a hard top. Hence a more serious cutting tool. On my 1 inch or so square Bimini tubing I used my Makati angle grinder with a cut off wheel.

[dfelsent]

My Bimini tubing and canvas dodger tubing is all stainless steel.

[Madehn]

In regards to bending SS tubing, it can be bent easily- the key is to have gradual bends i bent my SS 1 inch diameter life rails to match the curve of my hull by securing on end of the 12 foot rod to a cleat on the dock then using a piling as a fulcrum point and slowly working the bend in -- sounds more complicated than it is. i also thru drilled at the fittings as i dont trust the set screws either-- if i had to do it over again, i think i would have just drilled a dimple into the rod and then used loctite on the set screws. i used a cut off wheel on an angle grinder- very easy and your cut does not have to be perfectly square to work. WEAR EYE PROTECTION- i have never had one of those wheels fly apart but i am very careful not to bind or put a sideways twist on while cutting.

[Madehn]

also you can buy a tubing bender at home depot to make sharper bends- the key is to start the bend and then move the tool a couple of inches bend a little more then repeat- takes a little practice but is not that hard.

[friz]

Originally Posted by dfelsent

My Bimini tubing and canvas dodger tubing is all stainless steel.

Being a firm believer in the internal combustion engine and in the dark I googled Dodger. Shiftless person, LA Dodgers but nothing nautical. I do not dispute you have one but my experience is with Aluminum framed Biminis over the flying bridge of, well, like my trawler. Happy New Year!

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by friz

I believe Bimini tubing, round or square is Aluminum. I would expect to see SS on a hard top. Hence a more serious cutting tool. On my 1 inch or so square Bimini tubing I used my Makati angle grinder with a cut off wheel.

Aluminum Bimini tubing is what comes in the prefab Bimini kits. Normal custom built biminis are stainless.

[nortonscove]

Cutting disc on a chop saw.

[dfelsent]

Originally Posted by friz

Being a firm believer in the internal combustion engine and in the dark I googled Dodger. Shiftless person, LA Dodgers but nothing nautical. I do not dispute you have one but my experience is with Aluminum framed Biminis over the flying bridge of, well, like my trawler. Happy New Year!

Lol. Okay, maybe spray hood for your dialect!
Happy New Year too.

[greenghost45]

OK, I know many will disapprove, but I managed to cut S/S tube for our dodger using a reciprocating saw (also known as a sawzall). I just used cheap, regular metal cutting blades and while the blades didn't last for many cuts, it was fast, easy and cheap. I don't recall many jobs on that boat that would fall into all 3 of those categories!

[BoatBumm]

I bought a Ridgid 35S tubing cutter a few years ago. They currently retail in the $40-50 range, but it is designed to cut SS tubing and does so very easily. A quality tool that I’m sure will last my lifetime.

[edlepera]

https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/stainle...tubing-cutters