How do most people cut out boiler tubes?

We've been working for a while on cutting the tubes out of a couple of engines for boiler inspections. Most people I've talked to say to use a cutting torch. We've been using a regular cutting torch, but for the tubes that are anywhere near the sides of the boiler, it seems really difficult to manuver the torch into the right position. Maybe its because we're not very experienced at this, but is sure goes slow.

I saw a cutting tool advertized that would cut a 2" tube in 15 seconds. I rented it, and it didn't work. Turned out it was designed for cutting the ends off of new tubes before rolling onto the sheet.

Is there such a thing as a torch that will fit inside a 2" tube? Or a tool that will do the job?

I've had some helpful suggestions via PM from Bob K, but I thought I'd check what others had to say.

Thanks for your help.

Short tips are made just for cutting out tubes. If you can't get anywere with your local or regional welding supply store, try this link to info and a catalog from Victor which includes a number of manufacturers's tips and torches.

Here is a page from Victor's website showing a boiler tube tip Series 1 Model 1-108 then pick the trade hole size for your application - probably size 0 will do any tube out there cuts 1/4" - 1/2":

http://www.thermadyne.com/uplFiles/litL ... 5-2007.pdf

Or, here is a whole catalog of a number of manufacturers (6meg file):

http://www.thermadyne.com/victor/litera ... 0_2510.pdf


Hope this helps,
Ray

I have wondered about the prospect of having a set of step drills ground for this purpose
It would definately save the danger of a slice in the wrong place

dr

Short tip is the only tip. Oh, one more. be careful when you cut the tube loose as it will fall and catch the torch, pinch it between the sheet edge and in the tube. Finish your cut at the bottom of the tube.

Gentlemen: Thanks a lot for the info. Sorry about the time lag in getting back to you. Been getting the house and RV ready for a three-week trip (and taking care of grand-kids). Then a trip as brakeman on one of our trips to Tecate, Mexico. Who has time to be retired???

I'll be back in mid-July; will try the short tip in August.

Doesn't anybody still make the tube cutter tool that slips into the tube end and is powered by your pneumatic motor? Given the number of industrial boiler shops still working hard, I would assume they are still available. Sure eliminates the danger posed by using Old Nick the cutting torch....

dave

There must be a pneumatic cutter out there somewhere but I can't find one. I have used pneumatic tools to cut, trim and wipe the seal weld and bead but I have not seen a cutter that will cut behind the sheet. I have used these machines from Esco http://www.escotool.com/

Jim told me that he had a machine that was supposed to cut behind the sheet however when he got it to his shop it would not perform. If someone knows of a cutter that works I'd like to hear about it. Jim used a tool from Wilson, http://www.tcwilson.com/ Wilson does have a roller that will roll, flare, bead and reroll all at one time. I am looking forward to trying that one.

Dear Dave:
Indeed there is (but not cheap, what a surprise).
Go to www.impactsocket.com and go to the bottom of the opening page and click on "tube expanders" then click on "tube removal tools" then "one revolution internal tube cutter" available in sizes up to 2-1/2".
They also have an internal tube cutter for trimming off ends during installation (again not cheap, but less than Wiedeke).
By the way: I have tried short tips for cutting out tubes and have found that they plug up quickly when cutting tubes that are heavily scaled on the water side.
The "one revolution" type tube cutter is (in my opinion) the best (read quickest) way to remove a full set of tubes. For selective removals the torch is the best. I split the tube about 4 inches in 4 or 5 places in front end, cut rear end circumferentially, collapse the splits and pull the tube out through it's own hole (if possible).
J.David