Cutting 2-3" PVC

[ependydad]

My wife wants to make a storage container for rolled up sheets of vinyl for her crafting business.

Here's the inspiration:


Any time I've ever cut PVC with a hacksaw, it's super fugly.

Any tips, tricks, tool recommendations for cutting 2" and 3" PVC?

[Windjammin]

I use a chop saw but I have a workshop. You could try getting the PVC at Home Depot or Lowes and having them cut 10 foot pieces to the right length. They also sell shorter lengths but I am not sure if they have the short lengths in 3 inch diameter.

[hshaynes]

Cut with fine tooth hack saw. When finished, use small pocket knife and run it around inside and outside of the cut tubes. You could also use a PVC cutter if uou want to spend extra money.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Windjammin

I use a chop saw but I have a workshop. You could try getting the PVC at Home Depot or Lowes and having them cut 10 foot pieces to the right length. They also sell shorter lengths but I am not sure if they have the short lengths in 3 inch diameter.

Is there anything I need to know/worry about with a chop saw? I have a friend in the area, but don't know if they have one. This RV park has "workshop" on their campground map, but I also don't know what it takes to get into there.

I'd hate to ruin a saw or blade or something.

[nomad297]

You can use any mitre saw with any wood-cutting blade. If your blade isn’t big enough for the 3”, just spin it as you cut. I’m a plumber and I’ve been doing it this way for decades.

Bruce

[nomad297]

Also, be careful when you are cutting any plastic pipe, but be especially careful when cutting foam core PVC, because it likes to shatter sometimes.

Bruce

[SecretSquirrel]

They make a pvc saw and also a ratcheting cutter. The pvc saw will leave a rough edge but a little sand paper cleans it up. The ratcheting cutters work good and leave a smooth cut but on pipe that size the blade can wander a little and make a not so straight cut (at least for me, maybe a better quality one would do better). Any big box store or hardware store should have them.

[Bama Rambler]

There are a lot of ways to cut PVC pipe. The first thing to do is to wrap the place you're going to be cutting it with painters tape.

A power saw (miter, table, sawzall, etc. (not chainsaw) ) with a fine tooth blade will make relatively smooth cuts if you don't force it.

Then a little sand paper and some heat will make it smooth as glass. Just be careful with the heat as too much will orange peel it.

[IsleDog]

Miter saw is your best friend. bonus fact: there are several brands that offer a battery powered version (perfect for camping)

I prefer to use a "V" block to keep it from rolling as i cut. and dont stick your fingers inside to hold it, surest way to lop them off! ask me how i know this

[IsleDog]

Originally Posted by nomad297

You can use any mitre saw with any wood-cutting blade. If your blade isn’t big enough for the 3”, just spin it as you cut. I’m a plumber and I’ve been doing it this way for decades.

Bruce

please be careful! your shop teacher is cringing while you do this! if you are not comfortable with a saw, do not do this. we dont need to change your name to stumpy. I have hit the E Stop in my shop classes for students who practice unsafe things like this.

i have not met a 10" saw that cannot cut through 3" pipe. i have seen smaller ones have trouble (7.25 to 8.5 inch saws). but from his questions and implied lack of experience, i will not offer solutions/tips/tricks that could cause the loss of fingies.

minimum 10" saw with "V" block or find someone in the park who can assist you

Stay Safe!

[simiHal]

I’ve cut 3 & 4” pvc many times using my chop saw. Works like a charm. You just need to make sure the pipe is secured tightly so it doesn’t spin. Then take a fine toothed file to debur the edges. I put a 6” length of 4” pipe around all of my sprinkler heads to make it easier to remove & clean or replace them.

[Iwannacamp]

X? on the miter saw... Go slowish as you cut. The PVC will leave marks on their blade if that matters. Band saw works very well. Sawzall with some patience does well.

Get schedule 5 or 10 as opposed to S40 lots easier to cut

Coming by Arkansas? I will happily cut it on our $5000 band saw. No charge

[CedarCreekWoody]

Doug you are over thinking this. A chop saw will work fine. PVC is easy to cut and won't hurt the saw. Use common sense precautions. You make need to sand the cuts a bit.

[Gdub2]

While on the job site one day saw a long time plumber use a peice of nylon string to cut a pvc sewage line in the bathroom.
Did not believe that he say he used the string so he cut the peice he just cut off and cut it in half again.

[D W]

Cutting PVC with a Miter or Chop Saw is not a problem, but it does make a mess! The plastic residue is a lot different than sawdust. Full of static and clings to everything it comes in contact with.

[TLAK]

Love her idea but PVC is mighty heavy. Might want to think about using cardboard craft rolls or the like instead?

[D W]

Originally Posted by TLAK

Love her idea but PVC is mighty heavy. Might want to think about using cardboard craft rolls or the like instead?

True. The weight of that PVC adds up after a while. Cardboard mailing tubes would be my choice. Cheaper generic craft tubes are readily available at Michael's or Hobby Lobby.

[ependydad]

Welp, we bought a 10' x 3" tube and two 10' by 2" tubes. I have to cut them each into 12 pieces.

Originally Posted by TLAK

Love her idea but PVC is mighty heavy. Might want to think about using cardboard craft rolls or the like instead?

I think the challenge is the diameter. She wants 2-3" round so can easily get the pieces in and out and maximize the space.

I'm curious if thin-wall PVC would be lighter. I found a plumbing supply place in the area that I might call before I start cutting this PVC up.

[Bama Rambler]

DWV (Drain Waste Vent) PVC is a lot lighter than Schedule 40. You do have to be a little more patient cutting it because of the wall thickness.

[DASchell]

Google Plastic resellers. We have TAP Plastic on the West Coast. They can cut any length Plastic pipe you want. The UP side is they carry Acrylic Tube which is way lighter than PVC and is clear also.