The Cal-look Lounge

I need to cut a set of Cromoly pushrods. Last time I did this work I had them cut by a local machine shop. Cutting them on a lathe is the best way, but it seems that the machine shop is out of business  :-\
I wondered if you have some tips to properly cut them.

(I have a lathe for years, but never get the time to make it works and learn how to use it  :P :P Maybe it's the right time now  ::) ::))

I've cut them many times with just a hacksaw, then detail the length on a belt sander.
TxT

I've think to saw them by hand but I was not sure if it was a good way to do it. I fear to have the pushrod tips not square with the pushrods.

http://youtu.be/uLEU16tEPDU

I take a plumbing pipe cutter and start a cut going around the pushrod...just a small groove. Then I use a hacksaw and it will follow the groove, thus keeping the tips straight. I've cut several sets of Manton chromoly pushrods using my method:)

I mark the length with a dial caliper.
Then rough-cut them with the saw, but 1-2mm longer than needed.
Using the belt sander, roll the pushrod blanks as you softly feed the material in. Once you get close to the mark, recheck with the dial caliper.
BE CAREFUL not to take too much material at a time!
Relatively easy to get them within .25mm, short to long this way.

If ya know anybody with a lathe , Use a parting tool .

I read where some use an arrow saw to cut pushrods....

Like Danny says ... a poor craftsman blames it on poor tools.
There are a number of ways to do it, and just as many to ruin them!

Patience is a virtue ...

TxT

I'm in a similar situation, got some fancy alu pushrods and worried i'll ruin £120 of pushrods!

i've read that an arrow cutter is a good method to get a square edge (if a lathe isn't available)

the sander to finish off sounds good especially if it had a guide on it to get a nice right angle cut...

a lot of people use pipe cutters all the way through but i can't help but think this will crimp the end in slightly?

as had been said, many ways to skin a cat!

I have "fancy" alu pushrods in both my engines. They are dual tapered and that makes it a little bit easier to cut with a cheap pipe cutter (due to the angle) Use a little lube and you cut through them really easy. Afterwards I grind the ends to make sure the angle is close to perfect. A quick and easy job.

-BB-

hey JF just use your lathe. if the length is over a couple of mm just use your tool to cut a piece of, lower RPMs and gentle hand feed. that way you have only a small tip to de-bur and chamfer it just to clean it up to guide the tip you want to hammer in (copper hammer)
i also used a piece in the head to have them all equal (don't know the english word) and it worked perfect as none differ 0,1mm

hope it helps. just use what you have  ;)

cheers, i've got a little pipe cutter so might give it a whirl, i did a standard one with it to make an adjustable...

I already tried with a pipe cutter but cromoly is too hard to cut with this tool   ;)
The "problem" is solved, the guy at the machine shop simply was on holiday but doesn't put a sign on the window to avoid catching thiefs's attention :)
Thanks for all the replies guy's  :)

That's great. I like how my machinist buddy removed a stubborn tip. He added a drop of water and heated the pushrod until the steam inside shot the tip out like a bullet, going clear across the shop!  :o