Thread: how to cut tube vertically

Sounds like a job for a slitting saw in a milling machine.

With a 200mm tube thats easy work for a jig saw then clean it up with a file then sand paper on a piece of timber to keep it flat.
You can pick up a jig saw for around $20 up if you don't have one and it will do both cuts. I would use a quality fine timber blade in the saw.

Dave

How many you want to make?
If you can cut one blue line in the mitre saw. Move 5mm sideways cut again and repeat 150 times.
You'd want to be real sure it dooesnt come loose though.

I'd use an endmill but you'll need a fairly large mill to mount it on(unless you wouldnt mind some holes drilled in the back?)

I'd think CNC water jet would be the go if you want many

Stuart

Originally Posted by Dave J

With a 200mm tube thats easy work for a jig saw then clean it up with a file then sand paper on a piece of timber to keep it flat.
You can pick up a jig saw for around $20 up if you don't have one and it will do both cuts. I would use a quality fine timber blade in the saw.

Dave

That's also how I would do it. If you prerub the cut line and blade with hard wax it will lube the blade and help keep it from galling maybe reducing the amount of clean up needed. Maybe make up a jig to hold the pipe as well as generate a fence against which you can run the jig saw so it reduced the possibility of the jigsaw wandering around while its cutting. Maybe something like two 1200 x 250 mm pieces of MSD joined along their length at right angles - clamp the pipe to sides of and add a fence which the jigsaw can run up against
.

If I were doing this job, I would set the tube up in a mill, and mill straight across with a large dia end mill, move the table along, and mill straight across again.

Repeat until you have the required opening, then reset the tube to the next opening etc etc.

Ken

Thanks Guys,
I plan to first drill 4 holes at the corner for each cutout; then cut the blue lines, then secure a 1200 mdf as a fence and use a jigsaw (as suggested above) to cut the red lines.
Originally I wanted to use PVC pipes at first but didn't think it would be rigid enough to hold 2 amps (about 130 lbs) a desktop computer and a pre-amp (about 20lbs).
Thanks again

It depends on how many you want to do-the jigsaw idea is good for a few, i would want to be milling for many.
I notice you an the ACT. Let me know if i can be of any help. I could mill them no worries.

Originally Posted by Ueee

It depends on how many you want to do-the jigsaw idea is good for a few, i would want to be milling for many.
I notice you an the ACT. Let me know if i can be of any help. I could mill them no worries.

Hi Ueee,

I have 9 cutouts in total (three tubes, three holes in each; if you can look at my original post with the attachment, you'll get the idea) so if you could help me out, it would be great. I ignored the comments about the mill because I have no clue what it is . Please let me know. Thanks. Yes I am in the ACT.

Good idea Bob, personally I would go at it free hand as I find the blade can wonder with a jig saw, but that fence idea is a great one.

Dave

One of these....kinda like a router for metal. PM me and we can sort something out.

For the accuracy needed to do these I think it would be easier done with a jig saw. One thing I forgot to mention is to tape the tube up if you don't want any scratches on it, contact (like what you cover kids books) works great as well.

Dave

Hi Ueee,

I sent you a PM but when I checked my sent box, it's empty. Pls confirm if you got the PM. Thanks.

I would use a mill to remove those sections accurately.

Do several passes across the tube with a big slot mill or a suitable fly cutter - it's only aluminium.

Jigsaw sounds like a receipe for disaster.

Rob

PM sent.....

I agree Dave, a jigsaw would be easy but less clean up with the mill.....plus an excuse to let Mlle flex about 1/10 of her muscles......