When you cut metal tubing for guns, how do you do it without pinching the ends?
Use fine teeth saw blades. X-acto has some that will fit the small handle. X-acto also makes a razor saw which will also work. After cutting, use a round file to smooth out the end of the tube.
A Dremel tool with a cutter wheel works real well. The wheel Looks like a thin piece of VERY rigid sandpaper, and will go through tubing very efficiently. Available through Lowe’s, Home Depot, MicroMark, etc.
Gip Winecoff
When using the Dremel, I hold the piece for the barrel with some pliers, to keep it from flying and it gets hot. Also keeps my fingers away from the cutting wheel.
If you are going to cut a lot of tubing, consider getting the motorized cut off wheel sold by Micro Mark (harbor freight also sells a cheaper version that is not as well made). These are by far the best solution for cutting metal rod and tubing up to a half inch or so.
Kurt
I just slowly roll the tube with a knife on the cork side of a coaster applying a light pressure. The cut I obtain is almost perfect and it can be easily filed with sandpaper or a file. Cheap, effective and very precise!
For fine brass or stainless steel tubing, I use a cut-off wheel to cut it to length. Then square up the cut end and the outside edge with the fine side of an emery board. Finally I clean up the inside of the cut end with the point of an old #11 blade. All very easy. [;)]
Pete
thanks so much for all your tips! I dont have a dremel so i think i’ll try one of the manual saw/cut methosds. Wish me luck!
This exactly how a tubing cutter and even large power pipe cutters work. The tubing is rolled between a blade and an anvil, this leaves a small ridge in the ID of the tube but it can be easily removed.
I bought one made by K&S at the train shop. It looks like a full size pipe cutter but is made for 1/32 to about 3/4 of an inch. I can send a pic if you would like. It cuts straight and smooth.