Help with table saw cut on PVC pipe

Woodshop
1

Sorry to have to ask, but

  1. I don’t yet have my wood shop privileges
  2. I want to make sure the table saw is suitable for this job

I have two x five foot sections of 4" schedule 40 PVC pipe in the corner of the Bio area that are going to be a component is a system like this:

They need to have a 1" slot ripped down the entire length. I have measured and marked the pipes and they can be seen here

Will anyone be at DMS tomorrow morning or other time tomorrow?

Also please comment on whether there is any problem with using the table saw (with whatever blade it has on it) for this purpose.

Regards . . .

2

I’d use the chop saw, myself, and have done so on my home 10" model without issue. However, be mindful that some claim that PVC is prone to “shattering”. I have not experienced this, but it is always a good idea to wear safety glasses (and, in this case, a face shield) when dealing with spinning metal blades.

— Zach

3

The problem is going to be holding the PVC in the proper orientation. Have you thought of how you’re going to do that?

4

Probably could made a jig to engage the slot of the outfeed to keep it straight.

5

Actually, the riving knife will probably suffice. I’m not used to having one.

6

Doh! I forgot to read your entire post (about “ripping the slot”). Ignore my suggestion of the chop saw.

Would this be something you could put on the Bridgeport mill between two end blocks? This assumes the ends are cut square (with aforementioned chop saw).

I think the cross slide might be long enough … Bryan can answer this. PVC is plastic, and I think we’re OK with that on the mill.

— Zach

7

It’s travel is only 30", I think. If the tubes are short enough it would work.

8

I have seen a jig made of 3 boards in a “C” shape to sandwich the PCV but I figured that I could raise the blade just about 1/2" then run the PCV along its length using a guide the way you would rip a 2x4. I figured I could maintain rotational orientation of the pipe by drawing a line along its side against the guide and keeping it in place visually.

The 2x4 represents some sort of adjustable guide I presume is available on the saw. Then rotate and make the second cut. Doesn’t have to be too precise.

The jig was something like this. I anticipate making a few of these, so maybe the jig is worth constructing.

1 Like
9

Why not use a router table with the same setup as the jig above? Use a tool which is the width of your slot.

1 Like
10

Why not use a router table with the same setup as the jig above? Use a tool which is the width of your slot.

Also a good idea.

And then there is the big CNC router :smile:

11

I have cut similar slots in pvc pipe of shorter lengths with my table saw before. Did it just like you mentioned doing without a jig, marked my cut lines and went to town with it. Personally, I would stick with the table saw, as it should cut a nice straight line while minimizing the mess of pvc dust vs doing it with the router table.

12

I like the jig. Not only does it create a stable platform to cut the pipe, it also provides some protection in case the plastic breaks. I haven’t seen this happen personally but I guess if the pvc pipe was a thin gage, then it might be possible.

13

It might be easier to build a sled for a hand held router. The pvc pipe could be clamped rigid to a table. The sled built to fit over the pipe and could than slide along the table with the pipe guiding the router. A rotating router blade would be less likely to shatter plastic than a saw blade. Varialbe speed would help, too fast and the router blade would melt the pvc