Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

[fbhwt]

I can't find anything in the code that says you can't use a tubing cutter and I'm sure its ok so long as you ream it properly. What are your thoughts on using a tubing cutter versus a hacksaw?

 

[roger]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

You can cut it with anything you like as long as you comply with 358.28. However, if I were an inspector and knew the conduit was cut with a tubing cutter, I would make the installer show me a number of cut ends so I could verify the installation was done correctly.

Roger

[ April 21, 2004, 12:39 PM: Message edited by: roger ]

 

[ryan_618]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

I always preferred a hacksaw, as I think they are faster.

I agree with Roger, I would put my finger in a few pipes if I were inspecting the job.

 

[iwire]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

When we run rigid we use a pipe cutter.

That is because the pipe cutter is part of the threading machine, along with a reamer.

It makes it real easy, clamp, cut, ream, thread, done.

I can not imaging using a pipe cutter on EMT, I will cut through it with a hack saw faster.

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

I've noticed tubing cutters crimp in the conduit during the cut which quite effectively reduces the overall circumference. Even if you ream it out to smooth the edge, it doesnt take out the crimp. I don't think it is much of an issue, but could be a concern on tight conduit fill installations.

 

[tom baker]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

A hacksaw is faster. Get one of the Klien conduit reamer screwdrivers, it deburrs the inside and outside of the cut EMT. A tubing cutter leaves a bigger ridge and is harder to remove.

 

[ryan_618]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

I will make one confession though...the only time in my life I've ever had stiches was from cutting 3/4" EMT with a hacksaw. You know, when you finally cut through the pipe and the knuckles of your right hand puch the piece of pipe that you just cut.

 

[luke warmwater]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

I must be getting lazy, as I prefer my Milwaukee cordless sawzall.

 

[iwire]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

Given any option I would go for my Milwaukee band saw, no shaking or banging.

 

[luke warmwater]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

Bob, as long as there is power availible, I would go for the band saw also.

 

[roger]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

Todd and Bob, I guess the hacksaw was why us old electricians had Popeye looking arms.

Ryan, I can relate, but I've done the same thing on PVC.

Roger

 

[drg]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

I cut a bunch of EMT with a panasonic cordless cicular saw and carbide tooth saw blade, they were supports for can lights in the ceiling tiles and they came out real good.
I do not know if sawing these with a cicular saw is not recommended but "no one complained" when I did it , must have cut dozens of sections and they were easy to de-burr also, goes through them like a hot knife through butter.

John

[ April 21, 2004, 09:13 PM: Message edited by: drg ]

 

[hurk27]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

By Ryan: I would put my finger in a few pipes if I were inspecting the job.

I did this and about cut my finger off. It wasn't that there was a sharp ridge left inside to pipe but the fact that when it first cut into me I jerked my finger and then it realy cut into it.

 

[peter]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

There is one good reason for using a tubing cutter and that is when there are already wires in the conduit. This doesn't happen often but it does eleiminate the risk of cutting the insulation.
There is supposed to be a trick to it. If you cut to a certain extent, then you can snap off the pipe and it won't be "crimped". The plumbers and machinists have a deburring tool such as Vargus or "Shaviv". It's a handle with a litle hook shaped blade that swivels.
One thing a tubing cutter is also good for, is it gives you a nice 90? line if you believe in such precision.
~Peter

 

[apauling]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

luke: I tried all the cordless sawzalls, I have three now: 18 v Riobi, 18 v Mil, 24 v Bosch. The 18 v Mil is the best by far for cutting small emt.

paul

 

[hurk27]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

When I'm doing a large job I set up a metal chop saw. It leaves very little burs to ream off, And cut's fast.

 

[macmikeman]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

If I am going to be on any one pipe job for more than 1 or 2 days, I have found it speeds things up to bring along a rigid tripod vise, and a milwak porta band saw. Locking down the conduit and working while standing seems to be faster and less tiring than using a hacksaw and bending down to lets say an upturned 5 gal bucket or one of those tool boxes with the pipe groove in the handle.

 

[bjansen]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

i can't believe someone is looking in a code book for a tool to cut conduit. you could cut it with a rock if you want. sometimes i wonder what people think is in the book......

 

[fbhwt]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

bjansen, what I think is in the code is information, your right you could use a rock, but it would be very hard to ream.

 

[roger]

Re: Cutting EMT with tubing cutter

Fbhwt, don't worry about it, we can't all be experts like some people are.


Roger