Cutting galv tube

[Blue Duck]

Ok so...

Things are a bit quiet at work at the moment but one thing that's keeping is going is doing kee klamp rails which I don't mind so much as is outdoors and its a fairly rewarding job.

An issue were having is cutting the stuff, were not allowed grinders in case we set someone on fire, a chop saw isn't portable enough as we have to carry a lot of other gear about and a hacksaw is too long.

We are currently using reciprocating  saws but we feel there is too much vibration towards the end of the cut and the saw is too willing to kickback.

Also the blades don't last long.

It comes in 34mm 42mm & 48mm sizes.

We need something relatively cheap portable and good at cutting.

Any  help  appreciated as always!

 

[Andy™]

i use one of these

https://www.powertoolsuk.co.uk/bosch-gcb18v-li-bandsaw-18v-body-only.html?gclid=CMb6ta3J49MCFdYy0wodYO8O3g

 

[Evans Electric]

What on Earth is a "Kee Klamp" rail  Ducky?

 

[Andy™]

basically a handrail version of the grub screw conduit

 

[Evans Electric]

i use one of these

https://www.powertoolsuk.co.uk/bosch-gcb18v-li-bandsaw-18v-body-only.html?gclid=CMb6ta3J49MCFdYy0wodYO8O3g

OOoh  that looks useful..... but  they don't exist do they ?   You've hashed that photo from four different tools. :innocent

Andy:-   Ahh  Disabled assistance rail type thingy.   

 

[Andy™]

of course they exist. i own one. excellent for cutting galv conduit, unistrut, steel etc. much better than sabre saw, no sparks that youd get with grinder etc

 

[Blue Duck]

What on Earth is a "Kee Klamp" rail  Ducky?

What Andy said.  + its a brand name like Hoover or walkman.

@Andy™ Thanks! I'd forgotten about those, you can get some really useful accessories for all manner of mad stuff. 

The only thing is the powers that be are a bit tight fisted, as there is three of us doing this at the moment that's  £600 then everyone else will would want one and It could run into the millions! :slap

It was suggested that there is some kind of pipe cutter like what plumbers have for cutting steel tubes in Ex areas, does such thing exist?

 

[Evans Electric]

Not for steel tube I don't think .    Could well be wrong.

 

[Andy™]

could get something like this

https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/81627986

not finding much in the UK though, mostly america and there is this one in spain

http://www.egamaster.com/en/component/egamaster/categorias/332/Pipe_and_Plumbing_Tools/Pipe_and_Plumbing_-_Steel_Pipe_Cutter

 

[Blue Duck]

could get something like this



https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/81627986

not finding much in the UK though, mostly america and there is this one in spain

http://www.egamaster.com/en/component/egamaster/categorias/332/Pipe_and_Plumbing_Tools/Pipe_and_Plumbing_-_Steel_Pipe_Cutter

The kee klamp has a pretty thick wall 3 - 4mm would it cope with that? 

Some random searching found this:

http://www.toolstop.co.uk/index.php?option=shop&page=shop.product_details&product_id=13784&l=uk&utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&gclid=CjsKDwjw0cXIBRCxjqnE3K3sHhIkAL1LezR7-LIZC6qgwLFhw4UwkHoiYeSR_uW5gyjJleKXqASIGgIkPfD_BwE

Not sure it would manage it though? 

@Evans Electric sorry it was the Ex thing that threw me...

Not like we're  doing oil refineries! 

:facepalm:

 

[Andy™]

no idea. never used them. try asking your suppliers if they sell anything for cutting it?

 

[apprentice87]

A record pipe cutter will easily cut steel tube. How do you think pipe fitters manage??

Mine is like this one..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/202-Roller-Pipe-Cutter-3-50mm-/352016538841?hash=item51f5d21cd9:g:dDoAAOSwWxNY2ptW

Never paid that for it though!!

john..

 

[steptoe]

Ye, get a chain cutter, if that's what they're called in this weird country,,,, :C

 

[Blue Duck]

no idea. never used them. try asking your suppliers if they sell anything for cutting it?

Travis Perkins...

msl:

A record pipe cutter will easily cut steel tube. How do you think pipe fitters manage??

Mine is like this one..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/202-Roller-Pipe-Cutter-3-50mm-/352016538841?hash=item51f5d21cd9:g:dDoAAOSwWxNY2ptW

Never paid that for it though!!

john..

Thanks john, are they time consuming?  

@steptoe Some kind of ratchet cutter for making manifolds for tractors??? 

 

[steptoe]

@steptoe Some kind of ratchet cutter for making manifolds for tractors??? 

probably .  :C

its a bit like a ratchet die, except it has a chain to tension around the pipe, with an internal half wheel bit that goes over the pipe, with a cutting blade inside that rotates as you ratchet it,

does that make sense to anyone but me?

 

[Blue Duck]

Makes sense, I'm sure I've seen something like what you describe but cannot name it.

 

[steptoe]

Makes sense, I'm sure I've seen something like what you describe but cannot name it.

Yea you can

Its a

Chain cutter

:slap

But, I think, a bandsaw , like Andy linked to is the modern version, tbh 

 

[Sidewinder]

Ducky,

You can easily get what you need.

A pipe cutter will cope with the Keeclamp pipe.

Where do you get your Keeclamp?

Pipe Center is the supplier I would go to for it as I have an account there, they will also have a suitable cutter.

Or try:

https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop?query=pipe cutter

Or:

https://www.buckandhickman.com/find/keyword-is-pipe+cutter

Ignore the website pricing & speak to the local branch.

Don't shy away from the Kennedy or Roebuck brands, nothing wrong with them what so ever.

You can try mscdirect.co.uk, Andy found stuff on their US website.

However, in general, I find Cromwell & B&H cheaper, I have accounts with all 3.

Plus MSC charge £6.95 delivery, I don't pay delivery with the other 2.

 

[Blue Duck]

Cheers  @Sidewinder I will check those out, I guess we need to find another local supplier as we are currently using Travis Perkins who are total rip off merchants.

£27 +vat for 3m length

Our employers were suggesting buying it in bulk and storing it at a depot nearby but that's yet to happen. 

Off to pipe centre..... Tottenham  :shakehead

 

[Sidewinder]

Just found that for you, Kings Cross too, but that's probably a bit too far into town?

This will do you up to Size 9 keeclamp.

https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/hand-tools/pipe-cutters-and-roller-stands/20-115mm-industrial-chain-pipe-cutter/p/KEN5885120K