Cutting acrylic tubes

[ColdBlooded]

This is not 100% ShopBot related. Anyone have any cleaver ideas to cut large acrylic tubes over 8". I cut a jig on my bot to hold the tube and mounted a router to the bottom. I hand rotate the tube until its cut. this works OK but not the best cut results. Does anyone know of a tube cutting tool or have a better idea? Thanks

[Brady Watson]

6" or 12" rotary indexer. Machine plates/mandrels to hold tube at ends. If only one end is to be shaped/cut (like for fishing rod holders) then you can add your own roller support on the one end & chuck the other side.

-B

[ColdBlooded]

I had thought about a indexer. I have a 6" bot so it would not help me cut 8"-14" tubes

[Brady Watson]

6" Indexer does 12" dia. 12" indexer does 24" dia.

-B

[ColdBlooded]

Thanks for the info. Had no idea a 6" can cut 12" diameter tubes. I was assuming a 6" cut 6". I will look into a indexer. Do you know of any videos showing one working? I need some more advanced training on the full capabilities of my ShopBot and Aspire. I only cut flat parts.

[Brady Watson]

Just YouTube search "ShopBot Indexer" and a whole bunch will come up. The one TJ did (SB Tools) is pretty good as a starting point. The indexer can be used for both 3D (non-symmetrical and symmetrical) models, as well as 2D operations such as pipe saddle cuts, drilling, surface engraving and even v-carving.

It's just the same as flat work...but rolled/unrolled.

-B

[ColdBlooded]

Sorry, not a video just showing a indexer. One showing how to fit large 24" diameter in the 12" indexer. I was searching for a video of someone cutting very large stock so I can get an idea of the setup required. Shopbots site is showing a max of 18" diameter with the 12". Does it require a mod to my table to fit up to 24"?

[Brady Watson]

Yeah...9" & 18" respectively. 24" or larger you'd need to make your own hardware setup. Things get wonky at that point trying to hold between centers.

-B