The way you cut your pipes and tubes to length makes a difference.
If you are sawing with a “toothed” blade, band or circular, there shouldn’t be any issues. Also acceptable is a cut using a “hot saw”—these methods probably won’t raise the concerns we’re addressing today.
If you are oxy-fuel cutting or plasma cutting, however, the cut surface of the pipe or tube may inadvertently be hardened.
To check for this condition use a “new” or “sharp” file. Run the corner of the file on an uncut area of the pipe and note the “bite” of the file into the pipe or tube. Then move to the cut end and perform the same test. If the file slides across with less “bite,” it’s an indication of a hardened condition. You can remedy this by lightly grinding the surface to remove the hardened area.
Turning your cut into chips is also critical. If the cut is not turned into chips, the end of the workpiece can catch on the cutter and potentially stop the machine. For instructions on how to turn your cut into chips, please consult the gauge chart and manual.
As always, take special care when inserting a workpiece into the machine. If a workpiece is thrust in forcefully, it may hit the cutter and cause it to break.
Finally, remember that the machine works best when the cutter is sharpened or replaced regularly.