How to Use a Table Saw to Cut PVC Pipe

Miter saws can be used to cut through PVC pipe.

Most PVC sewer pipe has to be cut to the correct length first, before it can be joined together with couplings, primer and cement. Conventional PVC pipe cutting techniques include using a hacksaw or hand saw, but these ways make the cut harder to get straight. Tubing cutters can be used on smaller diameter PVC pipes, but won't work with larger pipes. However, cutting the pipe with a table saw (or miter saw) will help ensure a much straighter and cleaner cut.

Things You'll Need

• Felt tip pen
• Tape measure
• Eye goggles

Instructions

Miter Saw

1. Measure and mark the PVC pipe at the place where it needs to be cut -- use a felt tip pen.

2. Rest the pipe in the miter saw, with the mark facing up. Squeeze the trigger and pull down the miter saw handle to check that the saw blade will cut the pipe through on the mark (if the miter saw has a laser guide, position the PVC pipe so that laser rests on the mark).

3. Hold the pipe in position with one hand (at least a foot away from the saw blade) and slowly lower the blade down onto the pipe, cutting it through. Remove any burrs from the pipe end using a utility knife, and wipe the pipe end before applying primer and cement.

Table Saw

1. Mark the PVC pipe at the place where it needs to be cut.

2. Turn on the table saw, and hold the pipe in front of, and at 90-degrees to, the blade. Make sure you hold the pipe on each side of the saw blade, and at least 12 inches from the blade.

3. Move the pipe along the table saw surface and towards the blade. Make sure that the blade will meet and cut the pipe at the mark. Slowly push the pipe against the blade, until the pipe is cut through. Remove both pieces of pipe from the table saw, and turn off the power to the saw.

Tips & Warnings

• A table saw looks like a flat table, with a partially visible circular saw blade vertically positioned in the middle. As there is usually no cover over the saw, great care must be taken when using the table saw, especially when cutting irregular shaped objects like pipes.

• Wear eye goggles when cutting through the PVC pipe.

References

• Google videos: How To Cut and Measure PVC Pipe
• Ask The Builder: How To Glue PVC Pipe Video