Annular Cutter

[macky]

I am researching mitering options for tubes on a vertical milling machine. Anyone ever used annular cutters (Annular cutter - Wikipedia) for this purpose? Saw that as a recommendation and an interesting option vs. traditional tube cutters. May make no sense, I am just starting out. Thanks.

[macky]

Sig,
Mike Cormack
Vancouver, BC

[VertigoCycles]

I am researching mitering options for tubes on a vertical milling machine. Anyone ever used annular cutters (Annular cutter - Wikipedia) for this purpose? Saw that as a recommendation and an interesting option vs. traditional tube cutters. May make no sense, I am just starting out. Thanks.

I wouldn't. The tooth count is usually too low, tube wall is too thin and workholding too wonky to make them work consistently well. Hole saws are cheaper and work great. I understand that Missouri Precision tool has their fine tooth hole saws in stock again and I mostly like them (other than the occasional one that doesn't have the seam welded correctly). If you want to spend a lot of money on hole saws, Strawberry (Torch and File) has some very nice ones available. I have quite a few of them but really only use the one for a clean up cut on the DT/HT joint because the standard hole saws I have for that size are sketchy.

Some people say that annular cutters work fine...but for every one who says that, I can show you five people who have folded and ear of their tubes over during a cut.

[macky]

Thank you Sean. You confirm my concerns. Will check out Missouri Precision. Torch and File has some beautiful tools.
Mike Cormack
Vancouver, BC