Making Multiple Round Tubing Pieces the Same Length

[Florida_Slotter]

I had mentioned in Dan's post about using a cordless drill to cut round tubing. In that post I also mentioned about using the same set up to cut multiple pieces to the same length. I know there are some that can use photos to make it easier for them to 'see' what I'm talking about as many times I don't think folks fully understand what I think I'm talking about.




The first thing I do is insert a piece of tubing into the chuck of the drill and cut it even with the end of the chuck. For example, I'll say I'm cutting 3/32 round brass tubing for hinges on a chassis. I'll need 4 of them, and I like them to all be the same length.




After I make the cut with my Zona saw, I loosen the chuck, slide the end of the cut piece out just a bit and then using a fine cut file and a small round file, I clean up both the inside and inside of the tubing.




I said that I was cutting 3/32 tubing. So I have some 1/8 inch tubing that is cut to the length that I want the hinges to be. I loosen the chuck, slide the 3/32 tubing out, slip the 1/8 tubing over it, then use a flat surface to press the 3/32 tubing back into the chuck so it is even with the end of the 1/8 inch tubing.




Prior to making the cut, I slip a piece of wire into the inside of the tubing. This will keep you from saying all those nasty little tidbits when a piece goes flying! Trust me, it works very nicely. :dance:

When you get done, you have as many pieces you want that are all the same length and are finished nicely on both ends. It just makes your work look better.

I hope this gives you a better understanding of what I was trying to say.

[waaytoomuchintothis]

I never would have thought that was what you meant. I'll try it, using my Dremel to cut while the tubing is turning. And I really like that keeper for the cutoff. Come to think of it, this is an excellent use for a jeweler's lathe I picked up years ago. It has a minichuck.

[ddyke]

Brilliant

[nhdungeonracer]

Thanks Marty, the pics do help explain a lot :banana-rock: