[TowerTalk] Pipe Cutters

[Bill Coleman]

On Dec 7, 2007, at 10:17 PM, Dan Hearn wrote:

> As a plumbers son who used a pipe cutter many times as a kid, I can  
> tell you
> that they cause a significant reduction in OD and ID at the cut off  
> point
> which is not easy to remove. The pipe cutter was used with a tapered  
> pipe
> reamer which reduced the internal burr, however the ID is smaller than
> before cut off. I believe if you are planning on telescoping .058 wall
> tubing, like the stuff we regularly use for antenna elements, you  
> would be
> better off using a hack saw and a file to do the job.

I've cut plenty of .058 wall Al tubing that was telescoped inside or  
outside other tubing. Make sure the cutter is sharp. Any burr that you  
have can be easily removed with a deburring tool, or with some quick  
work with a sanding sponge or sandpaper.

Likely different with steel tubing that leaves a harder burr.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901