Cutting boro tube

[Tonyb]

Hi,

I bought some boro tube and want to cut it into sections before putting it near a flame. I bought a cheap glass cuttter tool from B&Q with a small metal wheel but it's difficult to control and doesn't give a clean cut. Before spending more money on something that may not work, can someone recommend a better tool or method to cut the tube ?

Thanks

Tony

[jammie]

I think when I was at my class Ian showe d me how to cut by scoring the tube with a scoring tool and then using spit on it then breaking it, but a boro person will come along soon to see if that's right.

[Ian Pearson]

If you can get a tungsten carbide knife then that would be good. Just mark tube surface, a little spit as Jean says and bend and pull apart at same time. Dependent on length and diameter of course. Happy new Year everyone

Ian

[Redhotsal]

Wonder if a pipe cutter would work?

[jammie]

Happy new year Ian, hah I remembered my lesson right  !

[Hamilton Taylor]

Get a couple of these - the blade is tungsten carbide, square section, so you have 4 cutting edges.
Make a short score on the glass, wet it, break by pulling apart with slight bending. Its a knack - try on rod first as its easier.

This site is a pretty good resource for scientific glassblowing techniques, and if you look here there is a cutting tutorial.

HTH,

Sean

[Ian Pearson]

Come to Lybster on March 25th - 27th for my course and I will show you and guide you. Yes Jean those dates are OK so book now

Ian

[jammie]

pmd you Ian!

[Tonyb]

Thanks everyone for the suggestion and information. I will buy a couple of those tile scribes that Sean recommends next time i'm in B&Q. Will also try the pipe cutters as suggested by Sally and will let you know how I get on.

Tony