How to Cut Copper Pipe | 10 Cutting Ways

Efficient cutting of copper pipe is essential for different specific applications. The easiest and fastest way is to cut copper pipe with Sawzall, tubing cutters, and auto pipe cutters. Oscillation tools require specific scenarios where they participate in the arsenal of copper-cutting tools. Hardware tools like angle grinders and hacksaws play crucial roles in the portable on-site cutting of copper tubes. Copper block, tubes, pipes, and copper sheet requires precise and clean cutting which can be done through different techniques you will know in this article. These 10 ways help you to understand copper cutting techniques ranging from traditional methods to advanced specialized methods, covering different projects.

Is Copper Pipe Easy to Cut

Copper cutting can be done in the easiest and fastest way depending on the cutting technique. Copper is a malleable, soft, and ductile material so cutting copper pipes is not a big challenge as compared to hard material pipe cutting. The ease of cutting depends upon the technique you choose, the cutting tools, and the size of the pipes you are cutting. Industrial cutting requires auto pipe cutters for fast and efficient cuttings.

 Copper Metal Properties Table

What Tool to Cut Copper Pipe

There are different techniques to cut copper pipes with different methodologies and equipment all are used for different applications depending on the sizes of the pipe and the speed of cutting.10 ways to cut copper pipes are explained below.

How to Cut Copper Pipe: 10 Way to Cutting

Cutting copper pipe with a hacksaw

A hacksaw hardware tool is a common method of cutting copper pipes, copper blocks, and copper sheets. It is the simplest and easiest way which requires physical effort. The hacksaw should be with fine and sharp-toothed blades. You should wear safety goggles so no particles can hit your eyes. A stable surface or workbench is essential for clean and efficient cutting. Pipe clamps help in stable clean cutting but are optional. The following steps should be considered to cut copper pipe with a hacksaw.

1. Safety precautions wear PPEs.
2. Prepare the sample measure and mark it.
3. Secure the pipe on the pipe clamps.
4. Choose the sharp blade hacksaw.
5. Position the hacksaw and start cutting.

Cutting Copper Pipe with an Angle Grinder

Copper piping tools include an angle grinder which is an efficient and effective way of cutting copper pipes, copper blocks, and copper sheets. Angle grinder contains metal cutting discs that provide the fastest cutting. Safety goggles and ear protection are required. workbench or stable surface is required while working with oscillating tools. The following steps should be taken for angular grinding cutting.

1. Safety precautions like ear protection and Goggles.
2. Measure and mark the pipe.
3. Secure the pipe so it doesn't move for stable cutting.
4. Choose the right metal cutting disc.
5. Attach the disc to the apparatus.
6. Position the angular grinder and cut it.

Cutting Copper Pipe with an Angle Grinder.

YouTube video of straight copper pipe cutting with an angle grinder.

Cutting Copper Pipe with Multi-Tool

Multi tool also known as oscillation tool is a versatile and precise method of cutting copper pipes, copper blocks, and copper sheets. They are helpful for working in tight spaces. Oscillation tools equipment comes with different metal cutting blades specific to various materials. This method provides easy, fast, and clean pipe cutting. following steps should be taken for proper cutting with the oscillation tool.

1. Safety precaution wear goggles to protect eyes from debris and sparks.
2. Measure and mark the copper pipe or copper block you want to cut.
3. Secure the pipe in the pipe clamps for a clean and stable cut.
4. Choose the best blade for your project, attach it, and cut the piece.
5. Clean the area from metal debris.

Oscillatory tool equipment.

YouTube video of cutting copper pipes with multi-tools.

Cutting Copper Pipe with a Dremel

The copper cutting tool Dremel is a small and versatile accessory. Dremel makes efficient, clean, easy, and fast cutting of even the hardest metal pipe. Let's look at the steps on how to use Dremel for copper pipe cutting.

1. Measure and mark the cutting area of the copper pipe.
2. Secure your pipe so that stable and clean cutting is possible.
3. Select the right bit for your project. There are different types of bits you can use with the Dremel tool. Bits of different materials like diamond, carbide tipped bit, tungsten carbide tipped bit, and many others.
4. Make the cut by pointing the bit at a cutting position and press down firmly as you rotate the bit around the pipe.

Dremel kit

Turning Copper

Turning copper is a machining process done on the lathe machine. In this method the cylindrical pipe shaped part were prepared with a fine and effective finish. Turning is the common method that is used by metal workers to create contour cylindrical shapes of metal including copper. This process includes the following steps.

1. Mounting of Workpiece with lathe clamps.
2. Use the appropriate copper turning tool. High-speed steels and carbide are normally used for copper lathe machining.
3. The cutting tool angle, height, and position were adjusted.
4. The copper workpiece rotates at a controlled speed.
5. Adjust the lathe so that the depth rate and material removal rate can be controlled.
6. Use coolant to save material from heat generated during cutting.

Turning copper by lathe machine.

Milling Copper

Milling machining process uses rotary cutters to remove material. It will create various precise features, shapes, and dimensions. It’s an industrial cutting tool that is used to produce complex geometries and shapes. The following steps are taken to mill an object.

1. Copper workpiece mount on the machine workable using fixtures.
2. To cut copper pipe find appropriate copper
3. Cutting tools like Face mills and End mills are usually used.
4. Set the tool's depth, and height, and align them along the workplace as you desire to cut it.
5. Set milling parameters like feed rate, depth of cut, and cutting speed.
6. Use fine milling cutters for a smooth surface finish.

Milling machine.

Waterjet Cutting Copper

Water jet cutting tool is very versatile, precise and fastest way to cut copper pipes. High pressure of 30000-90000 psi typical range of water for cutting. Some system uses abrasive particles with water for cutting. Water jet cutting is used for clean accurate cutting of wide range of materials. This process serves as a coolant and does not allow the formation of a heat-affected zone. The following steps should be taken for the appropriate cutting of copper pipes.

1. Draw a line where you have to cut the copper pipe.
2. Generate high water pressure
3. Accelerate water and the pipe will be cut.

Water jet cutting.

YouTube video of water jet cutting of copper sheet.

Laser Cutting Copper

Laser cutting is used in high-tech application where very precise and nanoscale cutting of pipes are required. The laser's precise, clean, and accurate cutting even at the nanoscale makes it unique from the previous cutting methods. In this process, high-intensity sharp beam of the laser when Strick the surface of the substate burns that area and cuts it off. Cutting with this method is highly precise and also used for nano printing, engraving, and crafting.

Laser cutting through copper substrate.

YouTube video showing laser engraving on copper substrate.

Oxy-Acetylene Torch

Oxy acetylene torch uses mixture if acetylene and oxygen to produce high temperature. Temperature range is up to 6000 . This high temperature melts the metal and cut it up. Copper pipe cutting by this method is useful industrial tool. high heat creates heat-affected zones that alter the microscopic properties of metals and hence change their mechanical properties. oxy-acetylene is also used for the brazing and welding of metals.

Oxy-Acetylene Torch cutting.

Plasma Cutter

A plasma cutter uses high temperature plasma arc to melt the metal and cut it off. It is used as an industrial tool for metalworking, construction, and automotive fabrication. It exceeds the temperature up to 30000°F because plasma is extremely hot and highly ionized gas. This method also creates a heat-affected zone that changes the mechanical properties of the metal.

Plasma cutting of copper substrate.

Copper Cutting Method Summary Chart and Advantages

Best Way to Cut Copper Pipe

The best way to cut copper pipe is to follow certain tips:

1. Measure twice copper block, tube, pipe, or copper sheet before cutting to avoid wastage.
2. Choose the right and advanced tool that enables the easiest and fastest way of copper cutting.
3. Mark the cutting area before using copper piping tools.
4. Secure the pipe so oscillation cutting tools cause no problem.
5. Use Sharp cutting blades.
6. Use slow and steady copper piping tools.
7. Minimize the burs by choosing the perfect hardware tool for cutting.
8. Consider cutting blades of harder material compared to copper.
9. Wear proper safety gear.

What is Cut Copper Pipe Used For

Cut copper pipes are used for different applications listed below:

1. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Ventilation.
2. Plumbing
3. Gas Lines
4. Water Supply
5. Drainage
6. Crafts and DIY Projects
7. Art and Jewelry
8. Electrical Grounding
9. Construction
10. Industrial Applications.

Why Choose Tuofa to Custom Copper Parts

Tuofa provides different machining capabilities with more custom parts production possibilities. Tuofa contains top-line machinists and equipment that provide high tolerance fastest way of fabricating custom parts with minimum order quantity both industrial and small-scale production can be done. Uses two copper alloys C101 and C110 which are machined by CNC for the fabrication of custom parts. These copper grades are used by medical, aerospace, automotive, and power industries. For further information, you can visit Tuofa machining website, and send part drawings to info@tuofa-cncnamchining.com

FAQs

How to Cut Copper Pipe at Home

The easiest way to cut copper pipe at home is to use a Sawzall or hacksaw depending on the availability. Firstly, measure and mark the copper block you want to cut. Then make the pipe steady from one side and cut it.

Fastest Way to Cut Copper Pipe

The fastest way to cut copper pipe is by using a speedy copper cutting tool like a Sawzall, an angle grinder, or an auto pipe cutter. These hardware tools help in the easy, clean, and speedy cutting of copper sheets, blocks, and pipes.

360 Free Machining Brass

360-free machining brass is a specific brass alloy that is designed so that it can be easily machined. This easy machining makes it suitable for many applications like electrical connectors, hardware tools, plumbing fittings, and various other applications.