Cutting cast iron pipe

[FINER9998]

Does anyone have any experience cutting 2" cast iron pipe using something besides a snap(ratchet) cutter? Any advice would be appreciated.

[BigThom]

You can buy sawzall blades that are made for the job. You could use a cutting blade on an angle grinder. You could put the pipe in a chop saw with the correct blade. Lots of possibilities.

[FINER9998]

Big Tom...What type of blade would be used in a reciprocating saw or an angle grinder? I also have a power miter saw. If I wanted to, what type of blade would be best suited to the miter saw? In each of these applications, would I saw through the cast iron completely? Again, any detailed advice would be appreciated.

[PLUMBER RICK]

finer, depending on the location of the pipe. if it's not installed yet, a chop saw with an abrasive balde will work fine. i sometimes use a 14'' cut off saw to cut cast iron in the ditch. snap cutter can destroy old weak cast iron. a sawzall blade will work so so on cast iron, but lousey on no hub cast iron. a 10tpi blade will cut it. a porta band saw will do a great job on cast iron.

for your application i would think a 4.5'' grinder with an abrasive cut off blade will work very good. wear your safety glasses and cut around the perimeter of the pipe until it's cut through. in a ditch with limited space and not abe to spin the pipe, you will have to cut a window cut into the pipe to allow for the grinder to cut the bottom off.

typically a sawzall is my last choice and a 4.5'' grinder in the ditch is #1 choice for old cast iron. a 14'' gas saw if there is lots to cut, this will cut 4'' pipe without turning. new pipe a snap cutter. clean cut precision ends, a 14'' chop saw.

havn't tried my new plasma cutter on cast iron yet:D

rick.

[Norcal1]

I use a reciprocating saw to cut cast iron. If fact, today I cut out about 30 feet of 2 inch cast iron and cut it into 6 manageable pieces. 7 or 8 cuts with one abrasive blade. Pour a little water on the blade/pipe while you are cutting and it gets the job done pretty well.

Good luck with your project.

[Theron]

Using an angle grinder you can cut a 4" piece of cast in 1 minute 30 seconds. Sawzall - five minutes - lots of vibration. For my angle grinder i use the 1/16" thick metal cutting. If i have a lot to cut, i use a diamond blade in the grinder. They don't seem to wear out near as quick.

[Bob D.]

In a pinch a hammer and chisel will work (if you got all day). Sorry to tell you but a cut some that way many, many years ago, and it wasn't no wimpy 4" either, it was 12" XH.

[Theron]

A little tip if you end up with a rough edge that you want to get rid of after cutting. Take an 8" crescent wrench and place it tightish over the part you want to remove and then just snap it off. Another tip when cutting with a grinder - Most of the time i'm cutting pipe in place. To prevent the pipe from dropping and pinching my blade, i usually leave about an inch uncut. Then i go in with a big flathead screwdriver and a hammer and wedge it in the crack and break it the rest of the way. Quite a bit safer that letting a stack squish your blade and possibly cause you to lose control of the tool or break a blade.

[ToUtahNow]

There is only two reasons to cut CI without either a chop saw or a snap cutter. The first is the pipe is in place and you cannot use a chop saw or a snap cutter. The second reason is your too cheap to buy a chop saw or a snap cutter.

Mark

[FINER9998]

Thanks to all who replied to my request for information. Fortunately, an angle grinder with a cutting wheel did the trick. It was my first experience with cast iron and banded couplings and was fortunately on a vent line for an existing basement slop sink. And yes, I was to cheap to buy or rent a snap cutter. For 2 feet of 2" CI, it was hardly worth it. BTW, this plumbing stuff is almost as easy as wiring. If I ever figure out how to post photos, I'll put up a photo of the 4 zone boiler I retro-fitted to our 85 year old home in New York state.

[mr. frugal]

....crap rolls down hill, payday's Friday.

[Bob D.]

"...BTW, this plumbing stuff is almost as easy as wiring...."

That's why you had to ask how to cut CI pipe right, 'cause its so easy :)

[FINER9998]

I knew how to cut CI using a snap cutter. I just didn't want to have to rent one if I didn't have to. And, as this forum is filled with knowledgable individuals who are only too happy to collegially share their knowledge and experience, I thought it would be a good source of information. I was right in that regard judging from the helpful information I received. I underestimated, however, how touchy some people can be when an innocent observation leaves them moved to making sarcastic comments.

[plumbdog10]

I knew how to cut CI using a snap cutter. I just didn't want to have to rent one if I didn't have to. And, as this forum is filled with knowledgable individuals who are only too happy to collegially share their knowledge and experience, I thought it would be a good source of information. I was right in that regard judging from the helpful information I received. I underestimated, however, how touchy some people can be when an innocent observation leaves them moved to making sarcastic comments.

Finer,

Some of us make a living at this. It took years to learn. I looked at your profile you do not list an occupation. Big suprise.

You want free advice, you got it.

[FINER9998]

PLUMBDOG... Thanks you for your comments. In the future, I will endeavor to watch out for the overly sensitive toes on the forum. BTW, what's really interesting is that those forum members with the sensitive toes were not, generally speaking, among those who made the helpful suggestions.

[plumbdog10]

PLUMBDOG... Thanks you for your comments. In the future, I will endeavor to watch out for the overly sensitive toes on the forum. BTW, what's really interesting is that those forum members with the sensitive toes were not, generally speaking, among those who made the helpful suggestions.

You still did not answer the question. What is your occupation? Maybe some of us will need advice from you. You got free advice here, what do you offer those who contributed?

My guess is zero.

[HVAC HAWK]

You still did not answer the question. What is your occupation? Maybe some of us will need advice from you. You got free advice here, what do you offer those who contributed?

My guess is zero.


YOU ARE 100 % RIGHT .why cant the members post there occupation and the state they live in . what do they have to hide?:eek:

[Guitar collector]

I just registered so I could log in and thank the helpers for this info. I'm pretty handy and have tackled some projects that most people would hire a pro to do, but never ran into iron pipe. Copper, ABS, PVC: no problem, but how the hell do they cut this stuff when its jammed into a wall?

So I googled the question and wound up here and I'm happy - I LOVE my reciprocating saw. I remind my wife of Jack Nicholson in The Shining with it, so she's not going to be thrilled - but I' happy.

I'm also thankful and, as was requested, if anybody wants to know the dimensional difference between a Martin bridgeplate in maple or rosewood, let me know.

:cool:

[FINER9998]

PLUMBDOG..I am self employed. I own a few small businesses from dry cleaning to financial services. When I see a thread that I can provide some information on, I post a reply.

[plumbdog10]

PLUMBDOG..I am self employed. I own a few small businesses from dry cleaning to financial services. When I see a thread that I can provide some information on, I post a reply.

Finer9998,

Finer,

What you are saying is that you own several businesses, but you can't hire a plumber? Obviously you have no clue how to run a business. You did not budget for mechanical repairs?

If you are an expert plumber and electrician (based on your post), why are you on this website?

You have nothing to offer anyone here. I certainly would not take business advice from you.

[Gofor]

To those of you who give sound advise based on experience, Thank you

For those of you who think because you have a license or certificate, it makes only you qualified to give advice I would remind you that this country was made great by people who had the courage to do things themselves and not depend on "all the kings men" with " his majesty's permission" to do the work. None of you who live west of the Alleghenys would be there otherwise.
If you want to get a certificate that guarantees you income for life, go to France. They even riot when they have the possibility of getting fired from McDonalds!!
Those that hide behind a certificate, degree, or current occupation only show their insecurity in their own knowledge. If something is factually or legally in error, say so. Problem solved. To attack a person's integrity or credibility based on what they are currently doing just shows your ignorance of how much a person can learn and know about problems that they have faced in their past.
Many people who come to this and like forums can not afford the price you require to do your work and make a living. But, they still need to survive and fix their problem. To you its a plumbing/electrical issue. To them, the dollars you charge may well be dollars they need to eat or get their required medicines. When you get on the "hire a professional" theme, others who realize that may not be an option give advice.
From someone who has almost six decades on this planet, been to over thirty different countries and experienced their "hospitality" , been to almost every one of these 50 United States (never been to Maine or Vermont), and thinks this is the greatest country on earth to live in, despite being literally spit on by this country's more "enlightened" and "self righteous" after coming home from a year in a war zone at this country's bequest:
Get over yourself and contribute something meaningful. To be more direct: "Grow up!" You got an adult's job, start acting like one.

Rant over

[HVAC HAWK]

when i started doing plumbing about 25 yrs ago i started by just handing a friend fittings .and to this day i never went to school for plumbing or HVAC .

i never had to be certified . and even if i was that does not make a deferents.

i think we are all hear to help others with the things we know better then they do and hope that they can help us or someone else someday.

if we told every one to hire some to do the work then why should ask for or even log on here ???

so if some of the licenses or is certified and does not want to help then do not respond

thats my 3 cents

[plumbdog10]

To those of you who give sound advise based on experience, Thank you

For those of you who think because you have a license or certificate, it makes only you qualified to give advice I would remind you that this country was made great by people who had the courage to do things themselves and not depend on "all the kings men" with " his majesty's permission" to do the work. None of you who live west of the Alleghenys would be there otherwise.
If you want to get a certificate that guarantees you income for life, go to France. They even riot when they have the possibility of getting fired from McDonalds!!
Those that hide behind a certificate, degree, or current occupation only show their insecurity in their own knowledge. If something is factually or legally in error, say so. Problem solved. To attack a person's integrity or credibility based on what they are currently doing just shows your ignorance of how much a person can learn and know about problems that they have faced in their past.
Many people who come to this and like forums can not afford the price you require to do your work and make a living. But, they still need to survive and fix their problem. To you its a plumbing/electrical issue. To them, the dollars you charge may well be dollars they need to eat or get their required medicines. When you get on the "hire a professional" theme, others who realize that may not be an option give advice.
From someone who has almost six decades on this planet, been to over thirty different countries and experienced their "hospitality" , been to almost every one of these 50 United States (never been to Maine or Vermont), and thinks this is the greatest country on earth to live in, despite being literally spit on by this country's more "enlightened" and "self righteous" after coming home from a year in a war zone at this country's bequest:
Get over yourself and contribute something meaningful. To be more direct: "Grow up!" You got an adult's job, start acting like one.

Rant over


What's your occupation?

[JimDon]

Gofor,
Well said! We see too many sacrosanct "experts" taking shots at somebody in these forums because they don't have the correct pedigree. I could not agree with you more.
Jim Don

[Australian Plumber Josh]

How far from the original topic will this thread go ?!

[HVAC HAWK]

How far from the original topic will this thread go ?!

as far as some one has something to add with out getting to nasty :D

[Wings21]

:rolleyes:There is only two reasons to cut CI without either a chop saw or a snap cutter. The first is the pipe is in place and you cannot use a chop saw or a snap cutter. The second reason is your too cheap to buy a chop saw or a snap cutter.

Mark
This buy far is one of the dumbest answers one could give. You spent more time writting stupid replies , then worrying about the pennies you lose for NOT getting the Job.:p

[DuckButter]

:rolleyes:
This buy far is one of the dumbest answers one could give. You spent more time writting stupid replies , then worrying about the pennies you lose for NOT getting the Job.:p

Welcome to the forum.
If it appeases you, take a glimpse through Utah's posts...though I'm sure he's nowhere near the professional you are, he does have some accumen based on a "wee" bit of experience.

[NHMaster3015]

Mr. Gofor, By your reasoning I must only surmise that you feel that lawyers, doctors, dentists, structural engineers, and architects should not need to hold a license either. Or is that somehow "different" Let me remind you that the plumbing "profession" is over 2000 years old and is not a trade, or occupation. It, like the above is a true profession. So next time you have a tooth acting up, or need a spot of surgery, why not come see me? I'll be more than glad to hack the problem out.

[drtyhands]

What's your occupation?

Classic
I miss you Dog

[DuckButter]

Classic
I miss you Dog

Yeah, same here bud...a dyin' breed he was.

[DuckButter]

Mr. Gofor, By your reasoning I must only surmise that you feel that lawyers, doctors, dentists, structural engineers, and architects should not need to hold a license either. Or is that somehow "different" Let me remind you that the plumbing "profession" is over 2000 years old and is not a trade, or occupation. It, like the above is a true profession. So next time you have a tooth acting up, or need a spot of surgery, why not come see me? I'll be more than glad to hack the problem out.

You still running a special on appendix removal?

[JCsPlumbing]

:rolleyes:
This buy far is one of the dumbest answers one could give. You spent more time writting stupid replies , then worrying about the pennies you lose for NOT getting the Job.:p

This by far is the dumbest response one could give.

J.C.

[drtyhands]

You still running a special on appendix removal?
I'm almost sure I've got a coupon from him for $50.00 off the first kidney removal as long as I sign up for some kind of annual check up plan.I'll have to check my coupon drawer.

[NHMaster3015]

If I had any hair left, I would pull it out. :D

[drtyhands]

If I had any hair left, I would pull it out. :D
AHHH,
The benefits of being a high school teacher.
The only thing more pleasurable can be spending your spare time on the computer with a couple of bitter plumbers.:D