Cutting and Threading Steel Pipe HVAC523 Cutting and Threading Steel Pipe

Pipe threader types Manual threading machine Electric threading machine

Personal Safety Stay Alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a threading machine. Dress properly, no loose clothing. Avoid accidental starting. Be sure the switch is off before plugging in.

Personal Safety Do not over-reach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Use safety equipment. ALWAYS wear eye protection. Operate machines from the side with the switch.

Specific Safety Always consult the tool manufacturers operating manual for specific safety information. Injuries from threading machines can be: Loss of fingers. Electric Shock Broken bones Eye injuries

Electric threading machines Portable battery powered Semi portable electric powered

Electric threading machine safety These machines are made to cut and thread pipe. Always secure machine to a bench or stand Support long heavy pipe with pipe supports Do not wear loose clothing or loose gloves.

Threading machine safety Do not reach across the machine Do not use machine if foot switch is broken. Tighten chuck hand wheel and engage rear centering device on the pipe before turning on the machine.

Threading machine safety Lock foot switch when not in use. The foot switch is for your safety. It lets you control the motor with your foot. If clothing should get caught in machine it will continue to pull you in. Because the machine has a high torque the clothing itself can bind around your arm with enough force to break it.

The foot safety switch allow for hands free operation of the threader

Tools required A holding device Chain Vise Yoke Vise Motorized pipe vise The chain and yoke vise are for hand cutting and threading only.

Tripod The pipe vise (also known as a TRIPOD) is used to hold the pipe in place.

Tools Required Pipe cutter Hack saw Reciprocating saw

Reamer Pipe reamer: Removes burrs from the inside of the pipe after it has been cut. The burrs must be removed because they restrict the flow of fluids or gas.

Reamer

Tools required Pipe Threader Also known as a die. Most threaders used in the field are fixed die threaders Can be used to clean up existing threads.

Oiler Used to supply cutting oil to lubricate the pipe as threads are being cut. The oil cools the die which extends the tools life. The oil cools the pipe which prevents jagged and malformed threads. Usually comes with an attached tub to catch shavings and also recycle the oil

Pipe Stand Used to support long pipe lengths extending out from the vise. Do be careful when using the pipe stand. They can topple over easily if not careful. Best way to prevent this? Foot it!

Pipe Wrenches Can be used to attach the fittings to the pipe while in the vise. Used to assemble piping systems after threading. Always use a matched pair!

This burr must be removed after cutting. Ream the pipe!

The ideal thread

Threading pipe using a manual threading machine After you have cut the piece of pipe you want to thread, reamed the pipe to remove any burrs from the inside, then follow the next procedures carefully.

Step 1 Set the section of black pipe into the pipe vise. The end of the pipe to be threaded should extend 8” – 12” inches past the end of the pipe vise.

Step 2 Pull the chain of the pipe vise over the pipe. Insert the chain into the pipe vise clasp and turn the vise handle to tighten the chain. Stop tightening when the pipe is held securely.

Step 3 Select a die from the die set that matches the diameter of the black pipe and inspect the cutting threads of the die for broken or worn teeth. If the die is damaged, do not use it to thread the black pipe. A die that is damaged or dull will not produce usable threads.

Step 4 Insert the inspected die into the socket of the pipe threading ratchet.

Step 5 Liberally coat the inside of the die with cutting and tapping fluid. Hand held Oiler

Step 6 Align the die with the end of the black pipe and turn the threading ratchet clockwise (as if looking at the end of the pipe) to thread the die onto the end of the black pipe. Stop turning the ratchet after you have made one complete revolution with the ratchet.

Step 7 Turn the ratchet in the opposite direction ½ of a turn to remove metal shavings from the cutting threads of the die.

Step 8 Apply cutting and tapping fluid to the surface of the black pipe and the die. Continue turning the ratchet to thread the black pipe.

Step 9 Remove the die from the threaded black pipe by turning the ratchet in the reverse direction until the die comes off the end of the black pipe.

Step 10 Wipe the threads with a clean rag to remove any metal shavings from the end of the pipe.

Step 11 Release the threaded black pipe from the vise by turning the pipe vise to loosen the chain.

Step 12 Clean the top of the pipe vise with a rag to ready the vise for the next piece of pipe.