working with steel pipe

[jacks0003]

Whats the easiest hand tool to use to cut steel pipe other than a heavy duty hack saw? I've seen pipe cutters on sale on the net but i'm not sure if all of these will do the job.
Is it worth getting a pipe vice or will a regular vice do the job ok?

[Razor]

Angle grinder with the right disk. Most ordinary vices will be fine.
What are you doing with it?

[jacks0003]

Have seen some home projects people have undertook using kee klamp fittings thought i'd have a go to see how easy it is to work with. If it works out ok i reckon i could use it for the home gym im making in my garage.
Have seen a big price difference between aluminum and steel pipe so i reckon i will try that.

[Razor]

If you're using kee klamp a grinder will be fine as you don't see the cut ends

[thescruff]

Get a hacksaw and some 18 PTI HS blades.

[Hitch]

Depending on what size tube you are using , the small sizes, 13,17,21,26 just use a hacksaw with a good quality blade, such as Bahco, Eclipse, Irwin, Starret...

33mm an up id go with the a small grinder If you have a fair few cuts to do.

As for a pipe vice, i wouldnt bother. Even a workmate will hold it suficiently for cutting. Pipe vices tend to be used when threading ad such where a very firm grip is required.

[thescruff]

Thats funny sizes Hirch.

Metric BST is 15, 20, 25, 32.

[Hitch]

kee clamp is to suit chs not pipe really though, in which case its worked on the OD of the tube, not NB.

[jacks0003]

Hitch what is chs? Any advice of what price to pay for decent angle grinder or what to look for/ size to get?

[Hitch]

CHS, circular hollow section, steel tube, with a welded longditudional seam.
As opposed to the dearer proper 'pipe'
For home use, £40 would cover a half decent grinder, 115mm will be adequate. Get some of the 1mm thick cutting discs instead of the 3mm thick ones, much easier on the machine and less sparks, and quicker cut.

[jacks0003]

Had a go today with the pipe making my worktop for the future utilityroom. Used my hack saw and it worked fine, better than i thought it would. I forgot to pick up one of the connectors so its still incomplete but it was easy to do so i reckon i'll keep going with this. The next project is a computer desk but i want to use the Kee lite stuff, it looks nicer.
Whats the cheapest type of pipe i can use with these kee klamp fittings? I was thinking of black iron pipe or aluminum.

[Forgecorvus]

I would of thought that steel is cheaper then ally of the same gauge...probably stronger too

Cheap, Durable, Light.....pick any two