Figure 16.
Pipe clamped in vise.
8.
PIPE AND TUBE CUTTERS AND FLARING TOOLS.
a. Purpose of pipe and tube cutters and flaring tools. Pipe cutters (fig 17)
are used to cut pipe made of steel, brass, copper, wrought iron, and lead. Tube
cutters (fig 17) are used to cut tube made of iron, steel, brass, copper, and
aluminum. The essential difference is that tubing has considerably thinner walls
as compared to pipe. Flaring tools (fig 18) are used to make single or double
flares in the ends of tubing.
b. Types of pipe and tube cutters and flaring tools.
(1) Pipe cutters. Two pipe cutters are issued: one has a cutting capacity
of 1/8 to 2 inches and the other from 2 to 4 inches. The pipe cutter (fig 17) has
a special alloy steel cutting wheel and two pressure rollers which are adjusted and
tightened by turning the handle.
(2) Tube cutters. Some types of tube cutters closely resemble pipe cutters,
except that they are of lighter construction. A hand screw feed tubing cutter of
1/8-inch to 1-1/4-inch capacity (fig 17) has two rollers with cutouts located off
center so that cracked flares may be held in them and cut off without waste of
tubing. It also has a retractable reamer blade that is adjusted by turning a knob.
Other types of tube cutters shown are designed to cut tubing up to and including
3/4 and 1 inch o.d. Some cutters have the feed screw covered to protect the
threads against dirt and damage.
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