Using pipe cutter on bimini tubing

[Muaddib1116]

Of course I could just go ahead and try it, but I thought I'd ask, would a plumbing pipe cutter work on stainless bimini tubing? or will it make a mess of everything?

[maine50]

If you have a home type cutter I think it will be slow and might dull the cutter quickly. I would use an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel- will make quick work of it.

[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.

[Muaddib1116]

Thanks, I'll make sure to get one designed to also cut steel.

[RaymondR]

They tend to roll a lip on the inside which you then have to file out of you are putting fittings in the end, grinder and cutting disk won't do it. I use the tube cutter to mark the cut then the grinder to follow the mark around for a square cut.

[Muaddib1116]

Thanks, the ends will be hidden in cups, so that shouldn't be a problem.

[zemurray]

I’ve tried this with a heavy duty pipe cutter and wheels made for stainless. It worked pretty well on a couple of cuts, but took a while, and progressively got duller. I wouldn’t do it again. The angle grinder and a cut off wheel would be my preferred way to go.

[NYSail]

What about on a 1.5 inch schedule 80 aluminum pipe for arch? Would wheel cut easily?

Thanks!

[mlydon]

I second zeemuray - stick with cutoff wheels - stainless is way too hard & brittle, plus the cutter will mark it up for about 1/2 inch either side of the cut, where the rollers are pressing into the tubing. If you’re going to drill holes, do yourself a favor and buy a tubing drill guide, as well.

Matt

[tkeithlu]

Do you have a chop saw? I've dealt with this problem by substituting a composition cut-off blade for the usual toothed blade. Then you can have a clean cut at whatever angle you want.

[sinnerman]

Originally Posted by Muaddib1116

Thanks, the ends will be hidden in cups, so that shouldn't be a problem.

In an article I read about a guy making his own bimini, he recommended using a Reed T15SS Tubing Cutter for stainless steel:
https://www.amazon.com/Reed-T15SS-Tu.../dp/B001H4RU06


Here is the link to the article:
https://wayfindersnow.com/2019/08/28...n-boat-bimini/

Cheers

[Door Sail]

We've cut a lot of stainless steel tubing over the last 20 years using a Rigid No. 2A/202. Only replaced the cutting wheel once, because someone cracked it using it improperly. A lot cleaner and quieter than angle grinder or cut off wheel. No metal filings all over the deck.

[Jack C]

I used an enormous pipe cutter, 17" I think, I bought at harbor freight. It cut the 1" 316 tube nice and square and curved the edges. The inner edge was rounded but hidden by the fittings. I did not trust the set (grub) screws. I drilled through the holes and used SS rivets. Bought a long handled rivet gun also from Harbor freight. Riveting with SS rivets can be difficult because the rivet rod head does not jam itself in the rivet and unless gravity is helping you the rod moves away. I put a blob of thick grease on the rivet rod head. When drilling go slow, sharp drill and lubricant. When drilling or cutting with a wheel, keep the temperature low. High temperature affects the steel's properties and increases corrosion. Also make sure that the fine dust created by drilling and grinding does not get on the boats fiberglass. It creates rust rash.

[garyfdl]

A 'hardware store' cutter is made for cutting copper. It might work for one or two cuts on SS, but that's about it, then you will have to replace the cutting wheel. You really need a cutter that will handle stainless.

I will also suggest using a grinder and cutting wheel. Harbor Freight sells them cheap - probably less than a quality pipe-cutter for stainless, and you can use it for other projects.

[garyfdl]

Originally Posted by NYSail

What about on a 1.5 inch schedule 80 aluminum pipe for arch? Would wheel cut easily?

Thanks!

As I understand it, the problem with cutting aluminum with a pipe cutter is that aluminum work-hardens, dulling the blade as you cut. A grinder would probably be your best bet.