What kind of ABS or PVC pipe cutter do you prefer

Pirulo

Hi guys. I have been using my mitre saw for years to cut ABS pipe schedule 40, normally between 1.5" and 3" (residential work mainly), this gives me a fast, square, straight and very clean cut I almost don't have to clean much (just a little shave with a knife inside and outside). If I need to shave just a little bit of the length of a pipe, I can easily do it with it. But I'm kind of tired of carrying the mitre saw with me just for this (but it works great once I have installed it). It's time to get to the next level or complete my collection of tools.

I'm looking at ebay and could find 2 models:
- Ratcheting PVC pipe Cutter 2-1/2"

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PVC-ABS-Pipe...item56468d704e

I have one smaller one I use to cut PEX 1/2" and 3/4" pipe and the cut is easy and clean, but not always is perpendicular to the pipe and I have to cut it again. How do this work for ABS 1-1/2" pipe? I kind of feel that ABS pipe is too hard to cut in this way.


-Then I see this one for bigger pipes (I have 2 smaller ones that I use only for copper pipe). How do you call this type of cutter?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ridgid-3-S-P...04%26rk%3D9%26

This one you clamp it around a pipe and do one or two turns around, then squeeze the lever a little bit, and repeat the cycle until you are done. This is awkward to use (especially the bigger models), need lots of space to maneuver (good luck to cut a pipe that is against a wall or in tight spaces), take much time to cut, but gives a clean cut easy to clean.

So, which one is the easiest, fastest that you use more often and why.

Alan

http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/Quick-Ac...s/EN/index.htm


Faster than a miter saw IMO.

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jaydevries

i have buth type the ratchet cuts good on pvc better but not always perfect but usable but not good at trimming a little off.
the plastic pipe cutter takes for ever and leaves a flared edge on solid core.

my first choice is miter box then sawzall for 3 and larger if the miter box is out i use it for 2 and smaller if not i use the ratchet cutters but longer handle then the one you showed in your ebay link

jaydevries

i have both types the ratchet cuts good on pvc better but not always perfect but usable but not good at trimming a little off.
the plastic pipe cutter takes forever and leaves a flared edge on solid core.


my first choice is miter box then sawzall for 3 and larger if the miter box is out i use it for 2 and smaller if not i use the ratchet cutters but longer handle then the one you showed in your ebay link

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Javiles

started doing PVC roughs in the 70s used a sawsall then use one now after a while you get proficient in your cuts, now i use all battery saws quick clean.

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DannyT

chop saw works great and you always have a square cut and very few burrs to clean off. nowadays id use a cordless sawsall

Pirulo

Thanks guys! So, I'm already with the right tool, the mitre saw, I don't see a need to use one of the manual ones, but the mitre box is actually a great idea if you have to do just a few cuts and is lightweight, I like that.

But I was waiting for somebody to recommend the X branded tool that has a battery, is portable, you do click and cut it all by itself, may be that doesn't exist.

TheEplumber

I have never seen a miter saw on a job site for plastic pipe.
Always used Rigid cutters or sawzall- faster and mobile, compact

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Pirulo

Yes, me neither, but believe me when I say it cuts really fast any abs pipe, is really handy (and very noisy!).

TheEplumber

Can you take it in a ditch or up a ladder? I don't like to walk around the job too much

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Pirulo

Nop. And I do walk. And you have a point!