PVC is widely used in home improvement projects. Both PVC tubes and sheets are used for the construction process. PVC can be successfully replaced with wood because of some additional properties. When we use PVC, we have to cut it. In my projects, I use a table saw for cutting the PVC. So let me explain to you the complete process and its results in detail.
Normally, PVC can be cut using a table saw with a dull blade. Using a sharp blade will cut the PVC aggressively rather than a dull blade. PVC has no fibers, hence there is no tearing or splinterings on the cutting edge. You should use dust remover to remove the dust.
PVC is stand for Polyvinal Cholride. Commonly we use this for the pipes. But we can buy PVC sheets from the market for any DIY project. When we use that for the construction process. we have to drill and cut. So let’s see all in detail about cutting the PVC using the table saw.
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Difference of Wood and PVC Cutting Using Table Saw
Wood and PVC Material Difference
Environmental Effect
When we consider the cutting process. We must know about the material properties to identify the material behavior. So let’s pay attention to the PVC and Wood.
PVC is an artificial material. It is a kind of plastic. Mostly it can be used for pipe making. But there are sheets that can be used instead of wood. PVC is consists of small pores, and when we cut it, we can observe the porosity. As well as PVC is really heated friendly. It can be shrink and expand better than wood. But there is no rotting due to long-term wetting and there is no deformation, and even no insects attack to PVC. So it is a real option for the wood.
Cost
But wood is really cheaper than PVC. Normally PVC will cost about $35-$45 per sheet, and wood will cost about $15-$20 same size sheet. So using PVC is really expensive than wood. But there are many advantages. Mostly from water and insect.
Available PVC thickness – 1.5mm, 2mm, 6mm, 12mm, 15mm, 20mm, 35mm, 40mm, 45mm, 50mm
Available PVC Size – 2440mm X 1220mm, 3000mm X 1500mm, 2000mm X 1000mm, 2400mm X 1220mm
Woods are with fibres. There are some grains. So when you cut the wood, you can observe tearings, splinterings and many more.
Compare Wood Cutting and PVC Cutting Using Table Saw
When you use the table saw for cutting the wood, You must follow the most common technical steps to have the proper wood cutting. You have to consider the grains, fibers, strength of the wood, and many more.
But there is no such thing in the PVC. We have to consider the whole PVC is really uniform material. So we don’t have to pay any special attention to the workpiece. So let’s see what you should pay attention to before you cut the PVC.
Dust Removing
This is the most important thing. I hope you don’t have any experience with PVC cutting. So please arrange the dust removing method. Do not let them flow on the floor. Those will spread everywhere and will paste on the saw, floor, table and everywhere. Those will not remove quickly. Remember to wear a face mask to prevent inhaling.
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Work Piece Selection
When you cut the PVC, make sure there is sufficient support. Sometimes it can be bent due to more length. So it can damage the workpiece. Because PVC is not much harder than wood. As well as you must select the maximum useful workpiece format the market. Because we can have any size workpiece from the market. PVC is expensive and we have to save it.
Saw Blade Selection
The most important thing is selecting the saw blade. Many types of saw blades are available in the market. Among them, we must select the best saw blade. As for me, I use a lower teeth blade. Because it is really better than a chop saw blade. When I use a higher tooth blade it tends to dig too much and as a result of it large chips out. But the low teeth blade really works well.
If you have a dull blade you can use it.
Cutting Speed
Normally PVC is soft material. When we use the table saw it will cut the material aggressively. If you can reduce the speed of the blade in order to better the cutting experience.
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Cut PVC Pipe Using Table Saw
Beyond the PVC sheet, we can cut the PVC pipes. We can find various diameter PVC pipes. Small diameter pipes can be cut with a hacksaw blade. When the dimeter is high its thickness is also increased due to provide strength to the pipe and hold the pressure. So these kinds of PVC pips are not able to cut using the regular hacksaw blade. So you have to use a cutting tool for this.
When you cut the PVC, the main problem is the perpendicular cutting surface. It is really difficult if you don’t use the proper tools and cutting bed. When we use the hacksaw blade we are not able to cut exact perpendicular cut. So we can use the table saw for cutting the PVC pipes.
Follow the Below Steps for the Best Practice.
- Use the smooth and level surface to roll the pipe.
- Make barrier to stop the slide pipe.
- Secure the pipe with hand to prevent movements as blade is positioned to proper depth
- Rolling towards the roll stop, apply the slight presure downwards and towards the back stop.
- Always makesure the pipe touch the edge. If it missed it will be inclined cutting way.
Optional Ways to Cut the PVC insted of Table Saw
Using the Table saw for cutting the PVC is not the one and only solution for the cutting PVC. There are some optional ways instead of the table saw cutting method. Using a table saw for cutting the PVC is really abrasive. PVC is not a hard material. So table saw will cut the PVC aggressively. But it is a suitable solution for DIY or any construction project.
This is really practical when there is higher diameter PVC with more thickness.
You can use the below tools for cutting PVC.
- Rotating pipe cutter
- Ratcheting pipe cutter
- Hand Saw/Hack saw
- Electric miter saw
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Is PVC Cutting Fume Toxic?
PVC cutting fume and dust will not kill you suddenly you breathe it. But dust can be inhaled from the mouth or nose. So remember to wear the face mask before you use it. But a high amount of PVC fume can be hurt you. So add the dust removing method before you start the work.
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