Just wondering what folks use to cut small diameter aluminum/brass tubing besides a Dremel? I have a miniature roller cutter that is supposed to work down to 3/32" dia., but it really has a hard time cutting 1/16" dia. cleanly.
Looking for something that will cut without distortion that I use until I pick up a Dremel in a month or so.
Thanks,
-dave
Hey Dave, I’ve been doing a rather technical way with expensive tools.
A single-edged razor blade LOL. I place the tube on my flat work surface, place the blade on my cut mark and roll the blade back and forth. Kind of the same principal as the small tubing cutters. Takes longer than a toothed blade or power tool, but I don’t cut tubes too often and the cut is clean, ready to go.
It also gives your arm a quick little work out hehe.
Well I think I can afford that solution Jim! [:)]
Sounds good, I’ll give it try.
Thanks,
-dave
You can do the same with a hobby blade. This will sometimes roll the end inward slightly, but that is easily fixed with a pin or needle.
A tip for when you get your Dremel: put a piece of tape on any short section you want to cut off before cutting. This makes it a less efficient projectile. [B)]
A very good tip, thanks!
-dave
I’ll add another tip, the tubing can be quite hot after grinding away with a dremel, so give it a few seconds to cool before trying to pick it up. Along the lines with the flying tubing, I wear eye protection too just to be safe.
A trick I use is to insert a drill bit as close to the inner diam in the tube before I use a blade to cut. It keeps the round shape and then just twist the drill to clean the hole and remove the bit.