AAE Posted June 11 Share Posted June 11 Hi - I have plastic uptake tubes from Lees Premium https://leesaqpet.com/index.php/shop/aquatic/under-gravel-filters-ugf/premium-ugfs/under-gravel-filter,-premium,-70-90-gallon-detail - I want to shorten these and am wondering how to cut the tubes - Have any of you done this? I would appreciate guidance. Thank you in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabokovfan87 Posted June 11 Share Posted June 11 They make parts for cutting acrylic tubing for computer water cooling. I would start there... Especially with the deburr tools. You can absolutely cut them. Band saw is the easiest way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AAE Posted June 11 Author Share Posted June 11 @nabokovfan87, thank you! I appreciate your help (again!)! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galabar Posted June 11 Share Posted June 11 For PVC, you can use something like: https://www.amazon.com/Bates-Choice-Pro-pipe-cutters/dp/B09BVXZBLN However, that will probably crack a plastic uplift tube. I'd suggest a Dremel with a cutting wheel. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AAE Posted June 11 Author Share Posted June 11 @Galabar, thanks for the suggestion! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyxxl Posted June 11 Share Posted June 11 On 6/10/2024 at 11:22 PM, AAE said: Hi - I have plastic uptake tubes from Lees Premium https://leesaqpet.com/index.php/shop/aquatic/under-gravel-filters-ugf/premium-ugfs/under-gravel-filter,-premium,-70-90-gallon-detail - I want to shorten these and am wondering how to cut the tubes - Have any of you done this? I would appreciate guidance. Thank you in advance. I use a hacksaw intended for metal smoothing the cut end with sand paper or a file 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanked Posted June 11 Share Posted June 11 If you don't have the hacksaw or other tools, a little patience and a single edge razor blade, or 'box knife' will work. Continuously scoring the cut line until it's ready to break off. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitecloud09 Posted June 11 Share Posted June 11 Razerblade or hack saw is my recommendation. On 6/11/2024 at 12:42 AM, Galabar said: For PVC, you can use something like: https://www.amazon.com/Bates-Choice-Pro-pipe-cutters/dp/B09BVXZBLN However, that will probably crack a plastic uplift tube. I'd suggest a Dremel with a cutting wheel. Agreed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chick-In-Of-TheSea Posted June 11 Share Posted June 11 You can use hacksaw or soldering iron. For soldering iron do outside with a fan blowing on it so you do not inhale the plastic fumes. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony s Posted June 11 Share Posted June 11 honestly. I'd use my Milwaukee grinder with a cutting wheel. but that's just me 🤣 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guppysnail Posted June 11 Share Posted June 11 I have done this for 12 tanks. It’s very easy. I simply used a finely serrated kitchen knife. Takes about 1 minute per tube. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOtrees Posted June 11 Share Posted June 11 Nothing new to add, just +1 to a few suggestions above that all work... hacksaw, box/utility knife, serrated knife. The main thing is deburring when you're done. fine sandpaper, knife tip, or possibly heat/flame, depending on the plastic. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy Vercetti Posted June 11 Share Posted June 11 I just use a grinder witha a cutoff wheel, works fast and easy. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anodyne99 Posted June 11 Share Posted June 11 I used a box cutter with a fresh blade. Definitely go slowly. It didn't make a perfect cut, but it also doesn't show. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AAE Posted June 11 Author Share Posted June 11 Thank you, all, for your suggestions! I have a wealth of options thanks to you. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daggaz Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 Serrated bread knife produces minimal burs and is only slightly more difficult than a serrated steak knife. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Gumby Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 might be a UK thing but I find copper pipe cutting tools give a lovely smooth edge 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AAE Posted June 12 Author Share Posted June 12 Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabokovfan87 Posted June 15 Share Posted June 15 On 6/11/2024 at 7:00 AM, Guppysnail said: I have done this for 12 tanks. It’s very easy. I simply used a finely serrated kitchen knife. Takes about 1 minute per tube. This is what I was referring to as far as PC cutting parts. Seems like a great kit, comes with a guide for bending angles as well as the deburr tool on inside and outside ends. Corsair Hydro X Series, XT, Hardline Bending Toolkit, (12mm &14mm), Universal https://a.co/d/0MlCCyV 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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