Frit-Happens !

Lampwork => Borosilicate => Topic started by: Red Dragon on February 21, 2013, 10:43:02 AM

Title: Cutting boro tube
Post by: Red Dragon on February 21, 2013, 10:43:02 AM
What does everyone use for cutting boro tube?
I have seen on you tube someone scoring tube with a carbide knife?? I cannot seem to find one in the UK
Does anyone know where I can get one?
Title: Re: Cutting boro tube
Post by: Steampunkglass on February 21, 2013, 10:51:26 AM
I did find one of the scientfic supply companies sold them but they were really expensive (I can't remember who now, sorry  :-[ ), ended up getting mine from usa instead  :-\ However I did read about someone who uses old metalwork milling bits that are broken as they are made of carbide steel too, and metalwork companies just throw them away if they break, so that might be worth investigating  ;)
Title: Re: Cutting boro tube
Post by: garishglobes on February 21, 2013, 10:53:40 AM
I got mine from the US as well. I also have a piece of carborundum stone with a sharp edge that will do the job. I have to say that I don't like scoring tube and usually just melt it anyway - laziness plus the need for a melted end to punty to in order to pull points!
Title: Re: Cutting boro tube
Post by: Marcel on February 21, 2013, 11:11:16 AM
These on will work too  ;) http://www.ebay.com/itm/Draper-Multi-Sharpener-TUNG-CARBIDE-Sharpening-Garden-Tool-Toos-76765-/400402694881?pt=UK_Home_Garden_GardenEquipment_HandTools_SM&hash=item5d39dc42e1
this one looks cool too http://www.ebay.com/itm/BLACK-AXE-MACHETE-GARDEN-TOOL-SHARPENER-TUNGSTEN-CARBIDE-HEAD-LANSKY-LASH01-/320872225840?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ab5799c30

als long it has an edge  ;)
Title: Re: Cutting boro tube
Post by: Red Dragon on February 21, 2013, 11:26:53 AM
Thanks all will investigate further......  Just remembered I have some old tung carbide  router bits???????
Title: Re: Cutting boro tube
Post by: Hamilton Taylor on February 21, 2013, 01:15:03 PM
B&Q do a cheap tile cutter with a tungsten carbide bit - only a couple of quid. you can rest the tube in the v between the bit and the handle, thumb on other side, and twist. Break as usual. they last a while, and can be re-ground, but it's easier to buy a couple, then when you've killed one, remember to get another when you're in b&q...  :-)
Title: Re: Cutting boro tube
Post by: Ian Pearson on February 21, 2013, 02:17:51 PM
If we get a lathe going at Flame Off then hopefully some large diameter boro cutting will be demoed.

Ian
Title: Re: Cutting boro tube
Post by: Red Dragon on February 21, 2013, 11:27:29 PM
Thanks guys  :D