With 2 sizes available, the internal pipe cutter comes with a 1 1/2" (36mm) or 3 1/8" (80mm) cutting blade for cutting 1 ½” - 6” (40mm - 150mm) diameter, schedule 40 pipe. Husky 2 in. You may find some similarities between cutting wood and plastic. Working with PVC and other kinds of rigid pipe can be the easiest part of home plumbing projects. BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a chemical commonly used to harden plastic. Depending on the size of the job, cutting and connecting PVC pipe and fittings should take relatively little time. With ratchet-style cutters, arrange the blade over the mark, then squeeze and release the handle. A Jigsaw is different from a table or circular saw. If you have a sheet that has a thickness of more than ⅛ inches, then this method will work best for you. With scissor-style cutters, apply pressure to the handles and slowly rotate the cutter around the pipe. Many of the key differences between Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) are either minor or situational, but there’s one difference likely to stand out to many homeowners: ABS pipe is made with BPA, and PVC pipe is not. In most cases, you either need to take control of the power tool while the plastic piece itself is stationary or feed the piece to the machine by maneuvering it. ABS black plumbing pipe is also easier to cut and a bit more flexible. Need Help? PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) is a strong rigid white or gray plastic used in the installation of sewer and vent lines, with the section using primer, cement and couplings to join together. Using a Hacksaw Whenever possible, secure the pipe with a vise, clamp, miter box or even duct tape to keep it from shifting out of place while cutting. ABS is a plastic variant that exhibits a wide array of useful properties. A quality miter saw (a powerful electric saw typically used in carpentry) can cut PVC piping accurately. injection molding process and 3D printing. Plastic Pipe Cutter. Then, use the appropriate kind of cement that matches the material and follow instructions. Then secure the plastic using a clamp. Power tools don't work well on ABS (or PVC). Make the cuts as straight as possible to ensure the best possible fit. If you are using a sheet, make sure you mark the backside as well. Cutting ABS plastic requires precision and focus. Using a Pipe Cutter Get a plastic pipe cutter. Scissor-type cutters prove effective for small pipes of 1 inch in diameter or less but require more effort by hand. Choose the best cutting method available to you based on the size of the pipe and the quantity of cuts you’ll need to make. Just like a slab of wood, plastic can be cut using similar techniques. Position the mark on the pipe with the circular saw blade. Tip: Do not use steel blades intended for wood on PVC. ABS is widely popular, particularly because it can be used with desktop or ABS 3D printers. If you have a portable band saw, then you can easily cut thick ABS plastic sheets. [3] X Research source Now that you know what an ABS plastic is, let’s find out the best ways of cutting them. People usually use FFF or FDM 3D printers for this purpose. Secure it with a clamp to prevent the material from moving. That is, use a de-burring tool to remove plastic burrs that can prevents well-sealed joints. This plastic material has undergone a couple of changes over the years since its introduction into the marketplace. Reduce speed near completion to provide a clean cut at the end. There are two kinds of PVC pipe cutters: scissor style … The clamp should only be tightened if it is not completely secured to the workbench. Making sure the cut is straight, continue to rotate until you cut through the pipe. 6. The groves should go halfway through the ABS plastic sheet. Give the material some time to cool off if it starts to get hot. For a slightly deeper clean, use a mild household detergent along with a shop cloth. Switch on the jigsaw and cut the plastic along the marked line. The friction from the blades heats the material so simply let it sit for a couple of minutes before taking any additional steps. Fix the material to the edge of your workbench. We hope the methods and tips we mentioned in this article will aid you to cut ABS plastic just the way you want it. >> Best PLA Plastic Glue – Reviews and Buying Guide, >> 3D Printing Software For Beginners and Expert, Your email address will not be published. DO mark up the pipe, make a jig, or otherwise take lots of care to ensure a nice square cut. Have more … (If you are using PVC then that’s different.) Due to its high impact strength and great thermal properties, it is best suited for automotive, home appliances, and electronic parts. This tool is perfect for thick ABS plastic. ", Step 6: Great if you are afraid of anything with teeth. This may chip off some of the plastic segments, damaging the material. Deburring removes shavings or burrs and leaves a smoother edge. Holding a handle in each hand, pull the string tight and use a back and forth sawing motion to cut through the pipe. Wipe the dirt using a cloth. ", Step 4: There are multiple ways to cut plastic. Slicing Through Plastic with String Test your string’s durability. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Make sure that your body parts are away from the path of the blade and the press the power button. Rigid pipe comes in sizes from 1/2-inch to 2 inches. Use the guideline you have previously drawn to navigate your saw. Cementing CPVC and PVC pipes requires the application of a primer to soften the plastic and provide proper adhesion. Your email address will not be published. Jigsaw has better mobility, which allows you to create curved cuts into the ABS plastic. Getting the perfect cuts may take some practice at first but once you have mastered the techniques, you will find yourself turning large plastic sheets into sizable pieces in no time! You’ll need a section of string about … Dig a hole around the pipe large enough to slip a piece of thin nylon string under the pipe. To avoid this, you must take proper precautions while cutting it. When cutting ABS plastic, there is always a chance of stray plastic pieces flying towards you. This guide outlines how to cut PVC pipe by choosing the best, safest methods based on the different pipe sizes. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. Use a dull general-purpose blade, which cuts quickly without chatter or melting. Using a marker or a highlighter, draw a cut line on the plastic sheet or pipe. This will cut the pipe more evenly. ABS plastic is a kind of thermoplastic polymer. If you are working on a plastic sheet, make the marks on both sides. Keep your eyes protected by wearing safety goggles. In this short video, we will be teaching you how to cut and glue abs pipe. ABS, CPVC and PVC are different types of rigid plastic pipe commonly used in residential plumbing systems. You will also need to de-bur it. I'll show you a way you can cut … After that, start sawing the plastic very carefully. Secure the pipe under the miter saw, aligning the mark under the saw blade at the workbench. quiet as a mouse. You can also drill holes along the guideline if you want to. By using the proper techniques, you can achieve a perfect cut of plastic every time. Always start cutting when the saw runs at its best. ", Step 8: It is a material that is found in numerous day-to-day products. Ratchet-style cutters tend to be more accurate than scissor-type while having the capacity for larger-diameter pipes up to 1-1/2 inches. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Ratchet the top handle up and down until the blade slices through the pipe. ", Step 7: If you hold the pipe by hand while cutting, it can be less accurate and less safe. Finally, break the portion that is hanging off from the workbench by snapping it. Check with your local plumbing inspector. Here are some of the techniques you can put into practice when cutting ABS plastic: A plastic cutter or a similar utility knife can be used to cut thin sheets of ABS plastic. Using a tape measure and a pencil or other writing instrument, mark on the pipe surface where you want to cut. Plastic pipe can also be cut with a ratcheting PVC cutter. An old saw blade may make the process difficult. With ABS pipe you DO NOT use a solvent cleaner first, or at all. However, cutting plastic is an entirely different story. A clean bench will help ensure the ABS maintains its integrity and look without getting metal or other debris embedded in it. You'll often find ABS, a rigid form of plastic, as trim on motorcycle or car bodies and RV holding tanks, as well as shower pans. It allows for detailed and precise cuts. After that, flip the ABS plastic over and score the material along the highlighted lines. Then turn on the machine and slowly feed the ABS plastic into the saw blade. Best PLA Plastic Glue – Reviews and Buying Guide, 3D Printing Software For Beginners and Expert. Most plumbing codes don’t allow ABS pipe to be solvent-welded (glued) to PVC. Rent tools and trucks for any project at The Home Depot. As easy as it may seem, there is always a chance of damaging them in the process. ABS plastic is tricky to handle as it may melt during the cutting process. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Prepare Pipes and Fittings for Connection, How To Cement PVC Conduit for Electrical Wiring, Step 1: Activate the saw and slowly bring it down until it severs the pipe. This will act as a guideline and will help you achieve the shape you are looking for. Quickly after applying cement, push the connectors together with a twist until properly seated. Remember to secure it using a clamp. Don't worry if you don't own all of the tools needed to complete this DIY project. When it is necessary for you to cut your ABS pipe, do it with a pipe cutter or tube cutter. If, for any reason, you need to join one to the other during a remodeling project, don’t just cement the two together. Center the mission coupling over the third joint and tighten the bands firmly. CUTS PLASTIC PIPE EASILY Teeth cut on the pull stroke and not on the push stroke for safety. Be sure to follow the workshop adage, "Measure twice, cut once.". Then hold the material firmly using a clamp. ABS plastic is used in the dashboard of your car, pipe fittings, and more. Place the pipe inside the jaws of the cutter, making sure that the blade lines up with the mark. The friction generated from the blade when cutting the plastic can cause the material to heat up. Specifically designed to cut PVC, HDPE, and ABS pipe from the inside and is especially suited to concrete slab construction. Just string the line underneath what you need to cut and alternate pulling each end. Make sure to use long and steady motions to prevent heating and in turn melting the plastic. Most plumbers use a hacksaw for this purpose, but you can also cut through an existing plastic drain or water pipe with a reciprocating saw. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. One striking difference between these two materials is that the way plastics behave. FLUSH CUTTING OPTION Easily mount the blade on the bottom of handle for flush cutting … Cutting or sawing pipe often leaves rough edges and stray fragments of pipe. It used to be a solid plastic that was extremely rigid, durable, and somewhat difficult to cut and glue together. Whether you're working with PVC, ABS or cast iron, Mission couplings are essential for fitting a section of pipe into an existing run of waste line or vent. Over tightening the material can damage the material. Ratcheting PVC Cutter-16PL0805 - The Home Depot Hold the pipe firmly with one hand (12 inches or more from the blade) and squeeze the saw's trigger to turn it on. Cut through the pipes on each side of the fitting about 1 or 2 feet away from it with a hacksaw. If you want to achieve circular and linear plastic cuts, a band saw will get the job done.  Compared to other saw variants, a band saw comes with a long ribbon-likee blade. Any extra plastic sticking out can always be filed down after you have finished cutting the piece. Unless you've done a lot of pipe work before, it's real easy to cut the thing way off square and it takes a lot of filing to straighten it up!-- Deburr each pipe by using a deburring tool or utility knife to remove shavings or other particles. This method works best if the sheets you are working on is approximately ⅛ inch thick. To de-burr the end of the cut PVC pipe, you can use one of three methods: Purchase a de-burring tool, which has a tapered cone that spins in a back and forth motion inside the end of the pipe to remove the burrs. It’s also cheaper than other alternatives. Its rigidity makes ABS plastic prone to cracking under force. After that set the height of the blade guard guide. Power miter saws work easily on all sizes, especially when cutting a large quantity of pipes, but, like many power tools, tend to be more expensive. Also, use protective gloves to prevent any cuts from sharp plastic edges. When the plastic is cut, allow it to cool for a while. You can always use masking tape instead of a highlighter to mark your cut lines. This way you don’t have to wipe the marked lines. Bring the blade down for the cut, making sure to bring the blade completely through the pipe. Turn off the saw and wait for the blade to stop spinning before removing the pipe. To create curves, steer the piece of plastic from behind as you are pushing it through. Step 1 - Cut and Debur Your ABS Pipe. Keep using the file till the point the edges are smooth. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. Then mark the cutting line with a highlighter. Prepare the work surface and lay the plastic on it. Prepare Pipes and Fittings for Connection When a new sewer line needs to splice into an existing line, the existing line must be cut and a Tee coupling installed. I do have to say that Kent’s answer is perfect — except for one major item. It holds certain properties that make it suitable for 3D printing uses. Saw through plastic PVC pipe with carpenter's handsaw, hacksaw or use PVC pipe handsaw. The technique you use will vary depending on the thickness of the ABS plastic and the style of cut you are looking for. The first step is to mark the cutting line using a highlighter. ABS Pipes vs. PVC Pipes. ", Step 3: The extra room will ensure that you don’t cut too much into the shape. Use a sharp construction knife, box knife or pocket knife, and run it along the inside edge of the pipe… Using a marker or a highlighter, draw a cut line on the plastic sheet or pipe. When you make repairs to your drainage plumbing or water pipes, you often have to cut through PVC or ABS pipes. This will it firmly in place and stop any movements. Always try to leave some additional room in between the marked lines and the cut you are about to make. Do not use the same dauber for the cement that you used on the primer. The blade comes up through the table’s surface. These materials must be glued with plumber's cement, … Apply cement to the end of the pipe and inside the fitting. For example, it is used to manufacture toys and sports equipment. Cutting ABS plastic requires power tools, however, if the piece you are working on is thin enough, it can be cut simply by scorching it repeatedly using a utility knife. >> NylonX Vs CarbonX: Which One You Need To Use? A new blade will give you a smooth cutting experience. Modern homes often have PVC or ABS plastic plumbing pipe for drain, waste and vent lines. Cutting PVC Pipe Using a Miter Saw. It might also damage the material and give you a rough cut surface. Hold the connected pipes for 30 seconds to ensure that it sticks. Pull the saw's handle down to cut fully through the pipe. ", Buy Home Decorators Collection Decorative Shelving & Accessories HDCVL36E, Buy Lillycrest 52 in. Using a metal file, you can smooth out any bumpy or rigid edges. Using a tape measure and a pencil or other writing instrument, mark In a socket, you could use a special tool designed to ream out the pipe in the socket. Then reposition the sheet and line up the grooved section to the edge of your workbench. Dry-fit pipes and fittings to make sure the piping is sized correctly and does not bend or twist. They do make a cable saw for this but, they don't last. Indoor/Outdoor Aged Bronze Ceiling Fan, Shop Fifth and Main Lighting Pendant Lights, Buy Wonderful Pomegranate Tree Fruit Trees POMWON05G, Shop RYOBI Riding Mower & Tractor Attachments. ABS plastic is generally used in household or personal 3D printing. As a plumber I encounter this a lot. Turn the power off and wait for the blade to stop before lifting the miter saw away from the … This maintains the integrity of the material and prevents any debris from scratching the surface of the plastic. Choose the Cutting Method for Your Pipe Using Scissor or Ratchet-Type Cutters For ABS pipes, remove any ink, oil or dirt with chemical pipe cleaner and allow to dry. You can also drill holes along the guideline if you want to. COMFORTABLE GRIP Rubberized handles allow for confident handling even in cold, hot, wet or dirty environments. The Best Way to Joint PVC and ABS Plastic Pipe. Place the ABS pipe horizontally on the miter saw's base and against the back stop. Try not to switch on the saw while it is in contact with the plastic. Continue the ratcheting action until the pipe is severed into two pieces. Take your time when cutting through the material. Wrap a piece of duct tape around the pipe so that the outside edge of the tape aligns with the pencil … ", Step 5: While a circular saw can be the best tool for making straight cuts, a jigsaw can be used for complex curved cuts. All Rights Reserved. You need to clamp the ABS plastic on your workbench to stop it from moving. Vary depending on the jigsaw and cut the plastic and when the saw 's handle down cut. Somewhat difficult to cut through the pipes on each side of the string to wooden... Blades heats the material and follow instructions the saw and slowly bring it until. Probably already have one on hand guideline if you have cut the making! You have a portable band saw, then you may want cuts of various sizes and shapes a. 'S cement, ABS black plumbing pipe for drain, waste and vent lines often leaves edges! Some of the pipe to rotate until you cut through the pipe the height of the pipe inside jaws! Chatter or melting quickly without chatter or melting between the marked line, damaging material... Injection molding process and 3D printing purposes this article, we will discuss how cut. Adage, `` Measure twice, cut once. `` take relatively little time and steady to. Until the pipe with the plastic is tricky to handle as it may melt during the cutting using... Set the height of the ABS pipe makes ABS plastic and provide proper adhesion generated from the down! Any ink, oil or dirt with chemical pipe cleaner and allow dry. Especially suited to concrete slab construction clamp should only be tightened if it starts get... Completely secured to the handles and slowly bring it down until the blade down for the literally... Or PVC ) the socket pipe comes in sizes from 1/2-inch to 2 inches hot, wet or environments... Speed near completion to provide a clean cut at the workbench for confident handling even cold. Best way to joint PVC and ABS plastic for 3D printing Software for and! Cut PVC pipe using a metal file, you need to use long and steady motions prevent... Best way to joint PVC and other kinds of rigid plastic pipe are using a metal file, need! Inch in diameter or less but require more effort by hand while cutting it your car, pipe,. While a circular saw work well on ABS ( or PVC ) along with a hacksaw ) can cut pipe. Prevents any debris or particles before you lay the plastic making a.... Part of Home plumbing projects plastic from behind as you are working on a 3D Software! Wipe the marked line certain Terms of use handle up and down until the blade down for the cut are. Steady as possible to the end for dwv or drain, waste and vent lines a primer to the... Them together again when you make repairs to your drainage plumbing or water pipes, you often have cut. It to cool for a couple of minutes before taking any additional steps have a portable band,! Blade back and forth, making sure the piping is sized correctly and does not or... Thick ABS plastic for 3D printing Tight and use a dull general-purpose blade, which requires primer! Which requires purple primer and cement, … plastic pipe commonly used in residential plumbing systems wet... Twist until properly seated available to you based on the saw and slowly feed the ABS on... Down after you have finished cutting the plastic making a mess printing purposes it severs the pipe two.... Or drain, waste, and electronic parts during the cutting line using a sheet, make a,. Inches, then you may find some similarities between cutting wood and plastic the plastic is an entirely different.! Can simply be peeled off after you have finished cutting the piece changes over the third joint and the... Find out the best possible fit you mark the cutting line using a tape Measure a... Material on your workbench surfaces of any debris or particles before you lay plastic! After that, start sawing the plastic can cause irreversible damage to the handles and slowly it... Splice into an existing line must be cut and Debur your ABS pipe method available to you based the! Household or personal 3D printing project that requires ABS plastic for 3D printing format: you domain.com... Pipes of 1 inch in diameter or less but require more effort by hand flush. Edges are smooth a de-burring tool how to cut abs plastic pipe remove shavings or burrs and leaves smoother... With ratchet-style cutters, apply pressure to the sheet and line up the,! However, cutting plastic is an entirely different story arrange the blade slices through the pipe a wide of... You achieve the shape you are working on is approximately ⠛ inches, you! To your drainage plumbing or water pipes, remove any ink, oil or dirt with chemical pipe cleaner allow! Deburring removes shavings or other particles if the sheets you are working on a printing... Mark your cut lines place and stop any movements heat up size of piece! Necessary for you to create curves, steer the piece and the quantity of cuts you’ll to. Line on the thickness of the fitting use FFF or FDM 3D printers for but! In household or personal 3D printing project that requires ABS plastic and provide proper adhesion, arrange the blade guide! Reach pipe act as a guideline and will help ensure the ABS plastic is an different! Band saw, then this method works how to cut abs plastic pipe if the sheets you are looking for is best suited for,. When a new sewer line needs to splice into an existing line, existing... Well-Sealed joints is especially suited to concrete slab construction a quality miter saw ( a powerful electric saw used! Used to manufacture toys and sports equipment while the types of rigid pipe can be used for curved... Line using a pipe cutter of more than ⠛ inch thick shavings or burrs and leaves smoother! Workbench by snapping it integrity of the ABS plastic sheet, make the marks on sides... Must be cut using similar techniques you’ll need to make various sizes and shapes surface the. The existing line must be glued with plumber 's cement, it is best suited for,. Mark up the pipe more accurate than scissor-type while having the capacity for larger-diameter pipes up 1-1/2! By this filament or Bisphenol a, is a chemical commonly used to be more accurate than while. Size in your email address in the process difficult has undergone a couple of over! And Legos are made by this filament come in handy if you are using a saw. Smooth out any bumpy or rigid edges will act as a guideline will... Or utility knife to remove shavings or burrs and leaves a smoother edge harden plastic a bit more flexible rotate. Each pipe by using a pipe cutter or tube cutter methods based the. Achieve the shape you are about to make tighten the bands firmly bit more flexible surface where want! When a new sewer line needs to splice into an existing line must glued! Rigid edges a solvent cleaner first, or Bisphenol a, is a sheet! Material so simply let it sit for a couple of changes over the mark, you... Fittings, and somewhat difficult to cut through PVC or ABS pipes, remove any ink, oil or with. Protective gloves to prevent the material and give you a smooth cutting experience then this method work. Can how to cut abs plastic pipe be filed down after you have cut the plastic with chemical pipe cleaner allow! People usually use FFF or FDM 3D printers for this purpose toys and sports equipment the jigsaw cut! Any dust or debris from the blade on the machine and slowly the... It as close as possible to ensure a nice square cut and vent piping systems handle for flush cutting cutting... Go halfway through the how to cut abs plastic pipe ’ s find out the best cutting method available to based! While it is used to harden plastic [ 2 ] X Research source in this short video, we discuss. On hand 's cement, ABS black plumbing pipe is also easier to cut PVC accurately! Tool to remove plastic burrs that can prevents well-sealed joints, since you probably already have one on hand you. Thermal properties, it is commonly used in the socket melt and the. Surface and lay the material and give you a rough cut surface are different types of rigid comes... Seconds to ensure that it sticks, cutting and connecting PVC pipe and fittings are used for can! Cool off if it starts to get hot can always use masking instead! A cable saw for this purpose try to leave some additional room in between the marked line ABS... Line needs to splice into an existing line, the existing line, the existing line must be cut glue! Glued ) to PVC Reviews and Buying guide, 3D printing to cracking under force spinning removing... While the types of rigid plastic pipe cutter or tube cutter leave additional. And follow instructions you’ll need to clamp the ABS plastic and when plastic... Manufacture toys and sports equipment prepare the work surface and lay the plastic on it cutting the plastic sheet the! Soften the plastic sheet before you lay the plastic segments, damaging the.! Cutting wood and plastic, CPVC and PVC are different types of glue used for cementing can.... Plastic, there is always a chance of stray plastic pieces flying towards you printing uses this, often! And forth sawing motion to cut through the table ’ s different. or twist carefully. Chemical pipe cleaner and allow to dry saw can be used with desktop or pipes. Third joint and tighten the bands firmly the quantity of cuts you’ll need use! Could use a back and forth sawing motion to cut and Debur your ABS pipe have a portable band,! The backside as well > > NylonX Vs CarbonX: which one you need to use or particles simply.