Tubing Notcher for larger pipe

admin

In the near future I hope to make a few exhaust systems for my 98 Camaro, the final one being a home brew turbo setup.  I'd really like to get a tubing notcher to make clean merges for pipe (like merging a pipe into another one) but all of the tubing notchers that I have found only accommodate 2.5" pipe at the largest.  I will be working with 3" and 4" pipes.  Does anyone know of a tubing notcher out there that will work with larger pipe?  Or am I going to be making my own jig Thanks
Reply:buying one can be pretty expensive, you might try this first. It's a pretty slick way to use a chop saw as a notcher!  Now don't say impossible till you check this out, engineered program that works pretty well on smaller pipe but it will calculate larger as well.  Let usknow if it works out.If you have trouble loading the page, make sure it's exactly as it is below, sometimes I get an extra character when it's copied over.http://snip.awardspace.com/jbman45Century 230A AC/DCLongevity 200 Multifunction MofsetLongevity 200PI Multifunction IGBTVictor Oxy/Weld&Cut5HP 2 stage compressorTractor; tools and 40  years of collecting fine tools.
Reply:Kurt,JD Squared makes the Notch Master which handles up to 3" tube.  Runs about $250 and seems to be very well made.  Several posters have had positive comments.I personally have their TN-100 which handles up to 2" tube.  Heavy duty, and well made.You can check them out at their website.  Just google JD Squared.I suspect that anything over about 3" is pushing the limits for what can be notched with a hole saw type notcher.  For a larger tube/pipe, you may be better marking the cut, and doing the actual cutting with a plasma.  Additionally, most of the holesaw notchers are limited to about 50 degs of angle.  May not be enough for a collector.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Originally Posted by jbman45buying one can be pretty expensive, you might try this first. It's a pretty slick way to use a chop saw as a notcher!  Now don't say impossible till you check this out, engineered program that works pretty well on smaller pipe but it will calculate larger as well.  Let usknow if it works out.If you have trouble loading the page, make sure it's exactly as it is below, sometimes I get an extra character when it's copied over.http://snip.awardspace.com/
Reply:Try this http://metalgeek.com/static/cope.pcgi  Don't know if it'll help you at all but I've found it useful a few times. You have to be careful of the scale of your printout!HH 187Miller Bluestar1EAHP AlphaTig 200X
Reply:Crap.  I didn't know it was this complicated... Hmmm... thanks everyone for the formulas, I'm sure they'll come in handy.  I also think i'm gonna try making a jig for this, because we all know it would be sweet to just use a hole saw... and the weld would look really good too.  Hmmm... can you see me running into any issues with a larger scale version of the harbor freight tubing notcher?
Reply:Just cut the pipe off fairly square with a torch. Now reach over and make a slight cut in the end on the bottom of the pipe. Now cut in on top about 1/3 of the diameter of your pipe. Keeping the torch pointing at the end of the pipe for a smooth cut notch it out about 2/5s of the way down. Like I said keep the torch pointed so it blows everything clean out of the pipe. Shouldnt even need a grinder. I can cut and notch as fast as you can weld them up for a fence. Try it. If you need more help, holler and I can see what I can do.
Reply:I forgot, after you make your first cut then turn it over until that first little cut you made is on top, then notch out that side. Then check it on a pipe and see how ya done. Ya dont need no holesaw. Harold
Reply:In all honesty, it will be both faster and cheaper to do the merges by hand with a paper template.  Even if you got a notcher large enough to do the job and found a hole saw that was big enough, you'd have to notch a bit, stop, cut off the depth of the notch with a grinder, notch a bit more, stop again, cut off some more...
Reply:Small pipe, I use the JDsquared tubing notcher. For bigger tube, and / or really way off angles?? Plasma cutter is amazingly easy way to zip stuff off.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.