Cutting copper tubing

[preez]

Does anyone know what is the best and cleanest way to cut very flimsy copper tubing? It is 13/32 diameter x .014 thick. I need to cut it into ~1/4" spacers. So far I have tried tubing cutter, hacksaw and even small coping saw, but it all mangled the tubing too much. I need clean edges and a perfect "O" shape.

Any input would be appreciated.

P.S. I don't own a machine shop, hand methods preferred ;)

Chris

[WBZsDAD]

Tubing cutters is probably your best bet, I have never done what I'm about to suggest but just sitting here thinking about it, I think this will work.

If you can find something that is the same as the I.D. of the tubing you could slide it inside the tubing and then slide a short piece of tubing up against the tubing you are cutting so the outside cutter wheel has something to ride on, the piece you have put inside the tubing should act as a support as well as a way to line up the piece being cut and the piece that's acting as you guide.

[howie1a]

You might try drilling a hole in a piece of wood that the tubing will just fit into and cut both of them together that way the wood will hold ( stiffen) the tubing  howie

[bcshooter]

I agree with WZBsDAD, a tubing cutter with a new cutting wheel is your best tool. I will give you a clean cut , bevel edge about 45 degrees,

[preez]

Thanks guys. I thought about putting something inside to stiffen it, like a wooden dowel. Just have to find the right size.

[Sumcat]

If you're steady you might try a Dremel with a .020 cutoff wheel. Mount the Dremel to something with a C clamp and push the tubing through like a table saw.

[DanoInTx]

I cut tubing on the lathe with a small 1mm parting tool.  Works good if you go slow.  As far as common around the house sorts of tools I think your best bet is what Howie described of drilling a hole in a small piece of wood, slide the tube through, then cut both at the same time with a coping saw or similar.  I actually have a very fine toothed X-Acto mitre saw that would probably cut copper tubing pretty good also.  When all else fails get angry and throw a wrench at it, then shoot it with your favorite airgun:)

Edit: may even use tin snips or small scissors since the walls are so thin.  Cut longer than needed, then trim to the right size.

[Gene_SC]

I have to agree with Sumcat, for something that delicate a dremel and cut off blade should work fine without deforming the tubeing. Dano is right on but not everyone has that fancy stuff to work with..:) Or as Howie said but instead of a hole make a shallow hole and then put a slice in it at the length you want to cut off. Use the dremel cut off bladein the slot and cut each piece that way.

[preez]

I wish they made a dremel chop saw...

I will try the thin cut-off wheels. Actually I will try to build like a table saw with a fence, that should work.

Thanks guys

Chris

Dano, I am not much of a wrench thrower, I more often kick stuff and curse it out.

[preez]

Worked like a charm!!!

nice and clean cut with dremel thin wheels. Broke 2 of them!


Chris

[bil601]

Mount the piece of tube in a drill turn it the same way as the dremel is turning this will give an even cut without breaking the wheel.

[Jaymo]

Gee Dano, I'd NEVER guess that you're a wrench (rolling eyes).  I usually just smash it with a hammer or throw it across the shop as hard as I can while cussing up a blue streak. (Universal troubleshooting method)
But I like your idea, too.

[Jaymo]

Try http://www.micromark.com.   There, you'll find many more hobby related tools than you could ever possibly afford.

[Jaymo]

Pour it full of molten lead, cut with tubing cutter, and then melt the lead out. clean/polish and you're through.

[joe-joe guns]

I've cut super thin and small copper tube for slot car axle bushings with an exacto knife.Just roll it back and forth gently.