How To Cut PVC Pipe With a Circular Saw

While doing home projects or projects related to irrigation, water mains, etc., the PVC pipes often require cutting. PVC pipes are made with non-corrosive material and are easy to install. They are durable, recyclable, sustainable, and cost-efficient.

Here’s how to cut PVC pipe with a circular saw.

How To Cut PVC Pipe With a Circular Saw

While PVC pipes can be cut using various tools, the article guides you through cutting PVC pipes with a circular saw.

Step #1: Clamp the PVC Pipe

The first step is to clamp the PVC pipe in a vice tool. The vice has two parallel jaws to hold the PVC pipe fixed in its position so that the material does not move during the cutting procedure.

It is essential to use the vice, as it holds the PVC pipe in its position and will reduce the risk of cutting yourself while using a circular saw.

Take necessary precautions and be careful when you are holding the pipe with your hand. If you do not have a bolted bench vice, you can use any other work handle tools to clamp the PVC pipe.

Hold it a few inches from the cutout to secure the cutting process and prevent accidents.

Step #2: Mark the Cut

After you have successfully clamped the PVC pipe securely using a vice tool or any work handle, the next step is to mark the PVC pipe where you want to cut.

Take proper measurements according to your requirements and use a permanent marker to make a clear outline. Make sure that the marking correctly indicates the part of the pipe you will cut.

If the marking stays, you will be able to wipe off the marking with rubbing alcohol later on.

Use accurate measurements to mark and cut as the process cannot be undone.

Step #3: Install the Circular Saw Blade

Once you have marked the PVC pipe,  it is time to install a blade in the circular saw to start the cutting procedure.

If you want to use an ideal plastic cutting circular saw blade, you can go for Diablo D1080N Metal and Plastic Cutting Saw Blade.

Unplug the circular saw, loosen the arbor nut and use a blade wrench to remove it. Take the plastic cutting circular saw blade and carefully fit it within the circular saw.

Make sure that the teeth of the circular saw blade face the direction of rotation. Use the blade wrench again to tighten the arbor nut back in its place.

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Warning!

The blades used in the circular saw are very sharp, be careful to keep yourself clear of the sharp blade while handling and working with them.

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Step #4: Cut the PVC Pipe

Place the circular saw blade on the mark and hold it firmly by the grip. Use your other hand to press down on the top of the circular saw gradually for the blade teeth to sink into the PVC pipe.

Follow the marker and make sure to cut the PVC pipe with patience and time to avoid messy cuts and undesired results.

While cutting the PVC pipe, it is essential to concentrate and check on the cutting process so that the saw does not drift away from the original point of cutting as you control the power tool by hand.

Finally, you will be able to get an excellent and fine cutting of the PVC pipe, which you can use in any of your projects and other purposes according to your requirements.

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Warning!

Generally, while cutting PVC or plastic materials, a lot of dry sawdust is produced. It is always better to use safety glasses and dust masks to protect your eyes and face. Use hearing protection too. A grounded outlet is preferable over plug modification for the power tools like a circular saw due to high voltage usage.

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How to Even the Edges of PVC Pipes

Deburring tools are helpful when you want to round out, or even the rough edges of the PVC pipes after cutting the pipe with a circular saw. It is pretty easy to use a deburring tool, but choosing the right type of tool is essential.

Here are some steps that can help explain how to even the edge of PVC pipes using a deburring tool.

1. Take safety precautions like eyeglasses and gloves before you proceed.
2. Choose the correct type of tool and the proper attachment.
3. Securely lock the PVC pipe in position when you are using the deburring tool.
4. Switch on the deburring tool and adjust the speed according to your need.
5. Place the deburring tool against the rough surface of the PVC pipe that you want to deburr.
6. Do not give excessive pressure. Rotate the deburring tool two to three times over the rough circular PVC pipe edges.
7. If you deburr over an edge, drag the tool two to three times over the same area.

You can check out the video, which demonstrates the suitable deburring tools used in the PVC pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If a Circular Saw is Not Available, Which Tools Can Cut the PVC Pipes?

If a circular saw is unavailable, then a miter saw is one of the best go-to tools to cut the PVC pipes. Miter saws are pretty versatile, common, and widely used for cutting materials like PVC pipes. There are other cutting tools like PVC pipe cutters, hacksaws, etc.

The PVC pipe cutter and hacksaw both require considerable muscle power to get the job done. Whereas a Miter saw, again, is a power tool like the circular saw.

Can the PVC Pipe Be Cut with the Help of a String?

You can use a piece of nylon braided string to cut through parts of a PVC pipe. It is a variation of the cable saw used for primary purposes. If you want to use a string for PVC pipe cutting, the friction of the nylon string is responsible for the process.

When you vigorously use the nylon string across the pipe, the friction causes the place to heat up, due to which the PVC pipe melts. A string can be helpful when the PVC pipe is in an awkward position where using a circular saw will be difficult.   

Conclusion

PVC pipes can be cut using various tools and in several ways. Choose a proper workplace set-up to cut the PVC pipe using a circular saw. Ensure to have a bench to mount and bolt the vice permanently to clamp the PVC pipe.

Read manuals and proper instructions while handling the power tool. Over-pressurizing the power tool wobbles the blade and causes significant damages and injuries.

Although using a circular saw to cut PVC pipes can be messy and challenging, it is best to use power tools under expert guidance if it’s your first time.