cutting titanium tubing ...

[k-rod]

Hey all.

I have a threaded Ti steering tube that needs to be shortened a few mm's, and so I intend to cut it with a sharp/new hack-saw blade of 32 tpi. Does anyone have any experience with such an endeavor, and are there any insights or tips that y'all might be able to provide me with, before I have at it ... with such a rudimentary method (of course I will be using a jig to ensure a straight cut)?

ps: I do have a dremel on hand, with a multitude of cutting and abrading attachments for it, but it seems to me that these might be best left for 'dressing' the cut once it is done, by the saw.

Thank you in advance for your time and input ...

 

[hrhansen]

Re:

No problems with that - I have done it a few times with a hack saw.
With a threaded steerer I would leave the top of the headset on the steerer, that way you can form the steerer after cut - if that makes sense?

 

[Takingabreak]

Re:

Although the Ti threaded portion would likely be harder than the thread of the top nut...

 

[hrhansen]

Re: Re:

Although the Ti threaded portion would likely be harder than the thread of the top nut...

Done it with steel - it is not like cutting a new thread

 

[k-rod]

Re: Re:

No problems with that - I have done it a few times with a hack saw.
With a threaded steerer I would leave the top of the headset on the steerer, that way you can form the steerer after cut - if that makes sense?

You mean use the head-set to 'chase' the steerer threads after they have been cut? I have an old head-set 'top' that I will be using as such, as it will double as a good guide for demarking the exact spot where the tube needs to be cut ... and though the ti tube may be a harder base than the nut, the nut has enough substance/material to it that the very fine threads at the end of the cut on the tube should readily give way to it as the nuts is backed off afterwards.

I just wanted to be sure that the ti material is cut-able with a hack-saw, before hacking away at the (expensive, and very hard to come by) tube.

And thank you all for the input!

 

[hrhansen]

Re: Re:

Exactly what I meant

No problems with that - I have done it a few times with a hack saw.
With a threaded steerer I would leave the top of the headset on the steerer, that way you can form the steerer after cut - if that makes sense?

You mean use the head-set to 'chase' the steerer threads after they have been cut? I have an old head-set 'top' that I will be using as such, as it will double as a good guide for demarking the exact spot where the tube needs to be cut ... and though the ti tube may be a harder base than the nut, the nut has enough substance/material to it that the very fine threads at the end of the cut on the tube should readily give way to it as the nuts is backed off afterwards.

I just wanted to be sure that the ti material is cut-able with a hack-saw, before hacking away at the (expensive, and very hard to come by) tube.

And thank you all for the input!

 

[troje]

Re: Re:

Although the Ti threaded portion would likely be harder than the thread of the top nut...

Done it with steel - it is not like cutting a new thread

Even cutting a new thread in a titanium steerer is no problem. You need a bit more time to cool tools and muscles though. I’ve been able to add an inch of new thread without much issue. Cutting was no issue either. Just use a thin quality blade.

 

[k-rod]

Re:

Yup - piece of cake - careful measurements, new good quality 32 tpi blade, and a well designed jig ...

... all done and looking pretty !!