How to cut a pipe at 45 degrees with an angle grinder

How to cut a pipe evenly. common options

The use of [metal pipes] in the manufacture and installation of steel structures is associated with the need to cut across, along and at an angle. And not always have special equipment at hand. How to evenly cut the pipe with improvised means, we will describe in this article.

How to cut metal pipes at an angle

Sawing off a pipe or cutting it into parts can be done in several ways. Of the available tools, the best way to cope with this task is an angle grinder. But the greatest challenge remains the need to correctly mark the cutting lines. They can be different, most often you have to maintain either a right angle relative to the axis of the pipe, or 45 degrees. Techniques vary slightly depending on what products need to be cut:

Pipes for water, gas and heating pipes;

Profile products for the assembly of gates, canopies and other metal structures;

Large-diameter pipes. as a rule, this is rarely needed in the home, where the widest openings only in the sewer;

Pipes made of steel, cast iron, thin-walled non-ferrous metals and soft alloys.

Both tasks are solved quite simply, even without the use of a special mold of the angle of the pipe.

IMPORTANT: square profile pipe

Marking a corner with a paper sheet

Marking with a paper sheet is one of the easiest ways to perform the task. A square sheet of paper is needed. It is folded evenly diagonally. The resulting template for cutting pipes should be wrapped around the product so that the long side runs parallel to its cross section.

Then a 45-degree angle is formed on the smaller side. It remains to mark the line for the trimmer cut with a construction pencil or marker on a sheet of paper.

It is recommended to wrap the marking with a narrow adhesive tape so as not to accidentally erase it. This method is great for long, large pipes with a cut approximately in the middle of the product.

Method of marking with a bowl of water instead of a template

This method of marking is appropriate for small diameter pipes that are planned to be cut at a certain angle close to the edge. First you need to prepare a deep container of water. The planned angle of slope is marked on it. Now you need to carefully immerse the end of the product in the liquid, tilt it to the mark, and then pull out.

As a result of such actions on it will appear a clear line for the trimmer contact with water, it must be highlighted. The pipe is cut at an angle using this line. This method is best suited for jobs where multiple markings are required.

Cutting technology

As a rule, the volume and complexity of the work to be done by a home craftsman does not require the use of high-performance and expensive production-level equipment. When making the frame of a greenhouse it is quite possible to cut the pipes with an angle grinder or a traditional hand hacksaw.

Each type of cut has its own nuances, and some require special tricks.

At right angles

The accuracy of the cut is largely determined by the quality of the marking. Experienced craftsmen advise to mark the cutting lines not with a pencil, but with painter’s tape, following the following sequence of steps:

  • Set aside the desired size and make a small mark with a marker or pencil.
  • Carefully, applying the marking, cover the part with painter’s tape in a circle. The edges of the paper should converge without shifting. This is a sign that the paper is glued correctly. If the edges do not come together, the tape should be re-glued.
  • Securely fix the workpiece to prevent its movement and slippage in the course of work. Use a vise or clamps to hold it in place.
  • The cut (smaller) piece of the workpiece should be left unweighted so it does not clamp the blade or disk.
  • Begin the cut at the top.
  • The disc of the angle grinder (or the blade of a hacksaw) lead exactly along the edge of the masking tape, without deviating to the side.

This will allow you to evenly cut the required length.

If the diameter is large, then the marking perform the same way, but cut in parts, sectors of 30-60 °. After another sector is cut, loosen the fasteners and rotate the pipe. Then it is fixed again and the cut is continued from where the previous quadrant ended. To get an even cut, particular attention should be paid to the beginning of the cut, avoiding steps and dents.

Make the 45° bevel cut

It is possible to cut the end of the pipe exactly at 45° without using complex devices. It is enough to use a bit of locksmith’s wits. You will need to do the following:

  • Cut a square-shaped piece of paper.
  • Fold it diagonally. Create a right-angled isosceles triangle.
  • Wrap the sheet around the workpiece so that the cathetus of the triangle is perpendicular to the axis, and the hypotenuse forms an ascending spiral.
  • Fasten the sheet with duct tape.
  • Secure the workpiece and cut along the slanted edge of the sheet. It turns out at 45°.

There is another folk method. Plunge the end of the workpiece into the container with the liquid at the desired angle. Cut along the edge of the wet and dry areas.

If you want to cut not perpendicularly, it is better to use an old carpentry tool. the plier.

This is a U-shaped template, in the side walls of which slots are already made at specified angles. The pipe is placed against the far wall of the chisel and pressed there with a hand or a hand clamp. The hand saw blade enters the appropriate grooves and saws. If you need to cut at a different angle, you can make additional cuts in the walls of the cutter.

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pipe, degrees, angle, grinder

Using the computer program

To implement this method of marking pipes for cutting require a computer with special programs. First you need to make a drawing, which shows the transverse dimensions of the product, as well as the planned angle of incision. To obtain a virtual template.

Print it on the printer. And here you should understand that the larger the diameter of the pipe, the more sheets you need to print it. Then you need to carefully cut out the details of the drawing from all pages and glue, it is best to use for this purpose clerical tape. It remains to attach the template to the pipe and apply the markings.

This method of solving the problem is characterized by high accuracy. All necessary programs can be downloaded from the Internet, they are free to download and use. There you can also find a template for cutting pipes at an angle. It remains just to print and cut it out. To make the marks, simply wrap the template around the pipe.

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Using a computer program

To implement this method of marking pipes for cutting you will need a computer with special programs. To begin with, you need to make a drawing that shows the transverse dimensions of the product, as well as the planned angle of the cut. We need to get a virtual template.

Print it out on a printer. And here it is worth understanding that the larger the diameter of the tube, the more sheets are needed for its printing. Then you need to carefully cut out the parts of the drawing from all pages and glue it, it is best to use a scotch tape for this. It remains to attach the template to the pipe and apply the markings.

This method of solving the problem is highly accurate. All the necessary programs can be downloaded from the Internet, they are free to download and use. There you can also find a template for cutting pipes at an angle. It remains simply to print it out and cut it. To make a marking the template is simply wrapped around the pipe.

How to cut a profile tube at an angle

The marking of the profile pipe is different from the round. Its manual execution can lead to a significant error. The best way to solve the problem is to create a template for cutting from the same profile, but larger in diameter.

We need a small section of profile pipe. On it using an angle gauge, mark the angle of 45 degrees. Now, using an angle grinder, you must cut off part of the workpiece along the marked line. The edges of the cut should be grinded, to eliminate defects. It remains to simply insert the original product into the pipe cutting template at an angle. Then it is necessary to draw a marking on the cut line of the larger profile. And then the tube itself is cut along it.

The text describes how to cut the pipe at an angle of 45 degrees. When the marking is already completed, it is recommended to use an angle grinder. It can be used to make a straight cut. It can be replaced by a hacksaw for metal. It is still possible to cut the product by welding, but you need experience with the tool, otherwise there will be irregularities. “How to cut a pipe evenly. tools and cutting methods”.

Now in construction stores you can find special tools for cutting pipes. But it is easier and cheaper to make a template yourself.

When carrying out work on the installation of gas or water mains, it is often necessary to change the direction of the line, in which the pipeline is cut and then welded at the desired angle. Most often the direction is changed to 90 degrees, and the question arises. how to cut the pipe at 45 degrees to accurately connect the joints when welding.

To cope with the problem when the angles of the cut edge in 45 or 90 degrees can be achieved with the appropriate knowledge and techniques that will save not only time, but also materials during the work. At other angles of turn to solve the problem with a ruler and a sheet of paper is impossible. you will have to call for help computer technology.

If the pipe is profiled

We cut a profile pipe at an angle according to the marking

And here, for example, we have a profile pipe, not a round one. Manual marking of profile pipe can lead to a large error. The best way out of this situation, would be to make a template from the same profile of larger diameter. Let’s take a small section of the profile pipe and using the angle gauge we mark the angle of 45 degrees. We cut it off as per the marking with the angle grinder and grind the edges, so as not to injure ourselves on the burrs while working. Next we only have to insert the profile of a smaller diameter into the template and after making the marking we need to cut it.

Cut at an angle a profile tube in a homemade device

In this article we looked at how to cut the pipe at 45 degrees. Using one of the above methods, make a marking and make a cut. For a smoother cut it is better to use an angle grinder. You will need experience when cutting with a welder, or the cuts will be uneven. As a last resort you can use a metal saw. Nowadays there are many different tools for cutting pipes at an angle, but it is too expensive to buy them. It is easier and cheaper to make yourself a template once, and use it when necessary.

Cutting at an angle

Here we will tell you how to make a 45º angle cut of a pipe. Marking is needed in this case too (read more: “How to cut a pipe at an angle. marking options for round and profiled pipe”).

To apply it you need a square sheet of paper that must be folded diagonally. The resulting triangle is wrapped around the pipe and fixed. This will make a 45º angle.

You can, of course, try to lower the pipes at a desired slope into the water, and then the border of the wet surface will serve as a marking. However, it is best to use a special device for angular cutting. a plier.

The shape of the jig looks like an inverted “P”. In its opposite walls, ready-made holes with different angles are already made. It is enough to put the pipe inside the device and make a cut, spending a hacksaw on the selected grooves.

Thus it is easy enough to make a straight cut of a pipe from any material by yourself. In this case, there are only a few tricks that will allow you to quickly and accurately perform all the work and build yourself the desired object for the farm or cottage. Note also that it is better to check the measurements several times before you start cutting, because you can accidentally make a mistake and spoil the material, incurring additional financial losses.

How to cut a thin-walled pipe

Another type of pipes are thin-walled products. It is usually made from non-ferrous metals such as aluminium or copper. Cutting thin-walled pipes is characterized by greater complexity, as there is a high probability of deformation of the element. In this case, you can use some filler, such as sifted sand.

As a tool, you can use an angle grinder, a hacksaw for metal or a special machine. It all depends on the specific situation.

Cutting metal pipes is quite time consuming, but quite feasible by one’s own hands. In this case, the work with round tubes, are not fundamentally different from the cutting of profile pipe. The main thing to remember is to follow the safety regulations when carrying out work.

Tools to be used

There are several ways how to cut a pipe, for this use construction and industrial tools for metal processing. Of all the types, only the angle grinder can produce curved surfaces without further machining with the closest edge alignment.

pipe, degrees, angle, grinder

For individual use

To cut steel pipes in the household, the following tool is used:

Handheld pipe cutters. Allow you to cut round parts with an even right angle of cut due to the cutting edges of the rollers. There are several varieties of products of this kind, consisting of single rollers or a number of them fixed on a chain. Such devices are seldom met at home and are more suitable for professional work.

Tools used

Cutting pipes is a fairly simple operation, but the correct cutting of pipes, when the cut is located at right angles to the surface of the product. the procedure is responsible. And if you have to cut parts of the engineering system at a different angle, then you can’t do without the advice of an experienced builder (I will modestly remain silent about myself).

I don’t speak about cutting of pipes of big diameter. After all, even in this case, in order to ensure proper welding or gluing, it is necessary to observe an angle of 90 degrees.

For any cutting operation there is special equipment. That’s what I want to talk about at the beginning.

For individual use

This category of tools is used in private and small commercial construction for arrangement of piping systems (water supply, heating, sewerage, ventilation) of small diameter.

Personally, in my practice, I used such devices:

Pipe scissors allow you to make the cut quickly and correctly.

To provide the necessary force, the devices are equipped with a toothed mechanism. Before you cut a metal-plastic pipe (or a product made of polypropylene), it must be placed on a special shelf. The peculiarity of the design of the secateurs will not allow you to install the part crookedly, so the cut will always be made at right angles to the surface.

The price of such products starts at 10 and can go up to 100. Depends on the manufacturer, material, size and so on.

  • Circular saw. Device for cutting pipes, where the cutting part is made of a disc of very resistant material with sharpened edges. It is pressed against the wall of the pipe with a lever and pulled around its circumference.

Large diameter pipes are cut with the circular pipe cutter.

I use the pipe blade for cutting PVC pipes for indoor and outdoor sewage systems. It should not be used for laminated sheet metal because the force exerted will distort the thin-walled material.

  • The guillotine. You can imagine the design features and principle of operation of this cutting device if you have seen the instrument of execution used in medieval France.

Guillotine with screw for even pipe cutting.

There is a knife at the top, which is lowered on rails onto the pipe at the bottom. Most often I used such a device for cutting a large number of pipes and the unit was equipped with an electric drive. However, models with a screw are available on the market.

  • Metal hacksaw. Suitable for cutting pipes of all materials into desired lengths. My grandfather taught me how to use it. Here a special secret is to apply a strictly dosed force, otherwise the blade will break.

Metal hacksaw. the simplest tool for cutting pipes of any material.

After making the cut with a hacksaw, burrs form on the end of the pipe. You have to get rid of them with a shaver or file. Otherwise the pipe joint can be leaky.

  • Angle grinder. We are talking, if anyone does not know, about an ordinary angle grinder. It is equipped with a special disc for cutting and can cut both small and large diameter pipes.

The angle grinder turns into an effective pipe cutter in capable hands.

As in the case of the hacksaw, the angle grinder can work with any material, from plastic to metal and cast iron.

  • Electric jigsaw. You can also cut pipes with these tools, but even I, a man with plenty of experience, did not always manage to make a right angle cut.

The jigsaw also cuts pipes, but is it straight??

So there is no need to hammer with a microscope nails, there are simpler ways of cutting.

But first I want to tell you about the professional equipment, which is used to cut pipes at industrial enterprises and when laying the main water transport utilities.

pipe, degrees, angle, grinder

For industrial use

With local and individual engineering systems we seem to have solved, but the question remains, how to evenly cut a pipe of large diameter. In this case, special equipment (often stationary) with which professional builders work comes to the rescue.

I used to work as a foreman in the housing and utilities department, so I’ve had to deal with these machines. I will tell you about the most interesting:

  • Lathes. These units perform any machining of round pipeline components, including those used to transport aggressive liquids.

The lathe is capable of perfectly cutting pipe. And not just to cut.

The maximum size of the pipes you can cut depends on the hole cross section of the spindle and the distance between the attachment heads. In addition to the banal cutting, lathes can chamfer, cut pipes and perform other operations, including automatic operation.

Cutting technology

I will say right away that if you are going to do plumbing or heating system of polypropylene or metal-plastic, it is better to buy a secateurs. It is inexpensive, but greatly facilitates the work.

In all other cases, you can use improvised means

Right angles

To cut the pipe at an angle of 90 degrees, before directly cutting, I suggest to make a marking. For this you need not a marker or a pencil, as you might think, but a piece of paper or masking tape. I prefer the latter option, as it sticks to the surface.

  • Then, using the marking as a guide, I glue the tape on. It is very important to do it in such a way that the edges of the paper tape come together with maximum accuracy. If it will work, then you can be sure that the cut will be made correctly.
pipe, degrees, angle, grinder

You can use Pipe Wrap instead of duct tape.

Make sure to secure the pipe carefully before cutting it.

To avoid jamming the cutting wheel during the operation, leave the other end of the pipe in the air and start the cut at the top of the pipe.

  • After that, it remains to make the cut, using an angle grinder. Make sure that the cutting wheel runs exactly along the edge of the masking tape that you put on earlier.

If the pipe has a large diameter, you need to cut the wall itself into separate sectors, gradually turning the pipe the right way.

Large-diameter pipes are cut in sectors.

A slightly different way to deal with cast iron pipe, which can split if not cut properly. In this case, I personally proceed as follows:

  • I make an incision of the product along the entire diameter;
  • Then I take a chisel and tap the cut;
  • from this action, the product should burst on the indentation made by the disc.

Oblique cut

Now I will tell you how to cut the pipe under 45 degrees. In this case you can also use the marking.

  • I take a square sheet of paper (the side of the square must be equal to the outer diameter of the pipe);
  • I fold it diagonally;
  • wrap it around the pipe and fasten it.

Marking the cut line with a piece of paper folded diagonally.

In this case, if you make the cut at an oblique edge of the sheet of paper, the end will have an angle of 45 degrees.

Another simple way to make a marking is to lower the pipe at the desired angle in a bucket of water. In this case, the wet border and will serve as a guide for cutting.

But it’s best not to wisecrack, but to use an ordinary wire cutter, which is designed for just such cases. Structurally, the device I mentioned has the form of an inverted letter U, the opposite slats of which have cuts at the right angle.

The pipe should be put inside the jigsaw and cut at the right angle, placing the blade of the hacksaw in the appropriate slots.