It’s totally tubular! How to cut PVC pipe for string teaching aids
Many string teachers have been using PVC pipe to aid students with the learning of bow hand shape, basic detaché bowing, and more.
As I demonstrate these strategies at conferences and professional development workshops, many people have questions about what size PVC I use, how to cut the pipe, etc. so this post will cover exactly that!
There are different sizes and specifications for PVC pipe. Some is used for drainage (thin walled) and some is meant to withstand water pressure (thick walled). The thin walled PVC is most economical and will work best for pedagogical purposes. It’s also easier to cut and lighter.
Thin walled vs. thick walled PVC
Pricing & Availability
I purchase pipe at my local home improvement store. Prices are usually very similar.
- 1/2 inch thin-walled PVC at Home Depot is under $5.00 for 10 feet (120 inches). Cut in segments of 5 inches, you will get 24 tubes for under $5! (That’s under 20 cents a piece!)
- 1 inch thin-walled PVC at Home Depot is about $5.00 for 10 feet. Cut in segments of 4 inches will yield 30 tubes. (Under 15 cents each.)
1/2 inch PVC, cut into 5 inch segments
I use these pieces for bow hand shapers and also dowel rod bowing. The tube is larger than the bow stick or a pencil and helps round the fingers, shaping the hand to hold the bow. This is great to use as the very first bow hold strategy.
1 inch PVC, cut into 4 inch segments
I use the 1 inch PVC and affix it to the to violin, viola, and celli using a rubber band to practice detaché motion with the bow.
How do I cut it?
First, I use a sharpie and measuring tape to pre-mark the cut lines. Pipe comes in 10 ft. (120 inch) pieces and it divides nicely by 4 or 5. The best way to cut PVC tubing is to use ratcheting PVC cutters. These provide a clean cut with zero mess and without burrs or sharp edges. The ratcheting action makes the cutting fairly simple, although you will want to use gloves to protect your hands from possible blisters. I would personally not let students use these cutters.
Watch this short video to see how I’ve cut PVC tubing:
Here is a link to highly rated, yet inexpensive ratcheting PVC cutters on Amazon.
You will want to purchase these cutters as you will be making a number of cuts. It might also be a good idea to get together with string teachers in your area to share the cutters. You will hopefully use the cutters one year and simply reuse the pipes each year!
- Bates ratchet-type pipe cutter is made of manganese steel with high hardness, good toughness, strength, and durability. It also features a ratchet mechanism that makes cutting through pipes quick and easy – perfect for anyone who wants to get the job done fast.
- The rubber-textured handle is comfortable to use, reliable to hold, and not easy to hurt. A stainless steel buckle is at the bottom of the tube cutter for easy storage. When you don’t use it, you can shrink the handles on both sides and lock the security lock to save space and prevent accidental injury.
- Bates ratchet-type pipe cutter is perfect for easily cutting through pipes. The triangle design at the edge of the knife allows better access to the pipe, while the unique structure design makes it easy to cut pipes with a few presses.
- This tool is not only powerful but also easy to use, which makes it an ideal choice for people who are not familiar with such tools. The fish-shaped handle provides a comfortable grip that guarantees long-lasting working.
- Our tube Cutter is ideal for use on various plastic pipes and tubes. It is an essential cutting tool for handymen, plumbers, electricians, and vehicle mechanics. The cutter is commonly used for cutting most kinds of plastic (PVC, CPVC, PP, PEX, PE, rubber hose) and multilayer tubing.
- 【Heavy Duty & Premium Quality】The Libraton PVC pipe cutter body is made of durable hardness aluminum alloy steel. The thick 3mm blade used is SK5 material with precision sharped and Teflon coated. Sturdy construction and big size suitable for heavy-duty use.
- 【Widely Application】The Libraton ratchet cutter is designed up to 2-1/2-inch (63mm) outer diameter capacity ideal for use to cut a variety of plastic pipe and tube(PVC,CPVC,PP-R, PEX, PE, Rubber Hose etc.), It is an essential cutting tool for your home handyman, plumbers, electricians, and vehicle mechanics.
- 【Quick Change】This PVC pipe cutter is unique designed with Quick Change system. You can quick change the blade replacement easily within 10 seconds without any other tools. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE REPLACEMENT BLADE IS NOT INCLUDED. If needed please purchase separately.
- 【Tips on Cutting Pipes Straight】 Please make sure that the pipe is perpendicular to the blade before cutting, as it helps to ensure cut the pipe straight.
- 【Tips on Cutting Thin Pipes】 When cutting a thin PVC pipe, please rotate the pipe a little bit after the pipe has been fixed by the V-shape part of the blade, and then do the cutting job. As the thin PVC pipe could be broken if you directly cut it without rotating it.
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- 【Long Service Life】: PVC cutter with SK5 blades coated with teflon which is not easy to rust, bend and break, The rubberised aluminium plated die-cast handle is strong and lightweight, which can work for a long time.
- 【Cutting Smoothly and Quickly】: Cutting pvc pipes with Dominox hose cutter was very easy. It cuts the tube almost like a hot knife in butter because of the sharp and durable blade with smooth straight cuts every time. The pointed angle on the blade is good at holding the pipe in place. Works easily.
- 【Ratchet Design Make Cutting Easier】:Unlike traditional manual cutters that require strong force and effort, the excellent ratchet mechanism makes it incredibly simple to apply consistent pressure while cutting, ensuring a clean and even cut without straining your hand or wrist. It’s well-constructed, and comfortable to hold, making it easy to use.
- 【Wide Range of Applications】: DOMINOX pipe cutters can cut a wide range of pipes with an outside diameter of 2-1/2″, such as PPVC, PEX, PE, rubber pipes, etc. It handled a variety of PVC pipe sizes with ease, eliminating the need for multiple tools or constant adjustments. Made the well pipe job so much easier.
- High Performance: The SHALL PVC pipe cutter consists of durable and corrosion resistant die-cast aluminum body and the wear resistant SK5 blade with Teflon coating; The V-shape design at the edge of blade makes the tube cutter easier to penetrate the pipe, causing less damage and keeping the cut neat
- Versatile Application: The ratchet pipe cutter can cut a wide range of pipes and tubes with an outside diameter up to 2-1/2’’, such as PVC, PPR, PEX, PE CPVC, rubber pipes, plastic hoses etc
- Labor-saving: With ratchet drive technology, the PEX cutter greatly improves the cutting efficiency, allowing you to easily cut hard pipe with one hand
- Ergonomic Handle Design: Bi-material handle with ABS spray coating process is designed for non-slip and comfortable grip for long-lasting work
- Safety Lock: When you don’t use the PVC cutter tool, you can easily buckle the safety lock on its side with one hand to prevent accidental injury and save space for storage
- 【EXCELLENT QUALITY】 PVC cutter with SK5 blades coated with PTFE which is not easy to rust, bend and break, hardness to HRC55 and low cutting friction. The rubberised aluminium plated die-cast handle is strong and lightweight. High quality materials give this cutting tool a long service life.
- 【RATCHET MECHANISM For EFFORTLESS CUTTING】 The innovative ratchet design allows for smooth, one-handed operation, reducing the amount of force required to make cuts. This feature not only makes the cutting process more efficient but also minimizes hand fatigue, allowing you to work for extended periods with ease.
- 【ERGONOMIC HANDLE】 The ergonomically designed handle is wrapped in rubber, which not only increases the anti-slip and wear resistance of the handle, but also improves the comfort of use，In time,you will not feel the soreness of the palm if you use it for a long time.
- 【WIDE APPLICATIONS】 PVC pipe cutter is perfect for cutting various types of plastic pipes such as PVC, CPVC, PP-R, PEX, PE, and rubber hoses. The ratcheting drive design significantly reduces the effort required to cut pipes. It boasts a powerful bite force, making the cutting process much easier. An essential cutting tool for home DIY enthusiasts, plumbers, electricians, and automotive mechanics.
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Bow hold teaching strategy using 1/2“ PVC pipe…
Teachers: What else do you do with PVC pipe in your classroom? Share your ideas in the comments below!
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Thanks so much — I’m always looking for new and different strategies for teaching and I love combining what has worked in my classroom with new ideas! I love the slither snake idea! Going to put to use in the classroom today. (FYI, my hardware store cut my pipe for me and wouldn’t even charge me .)
Sarah,
Excellent! I know several teachers have mentioned that their store cut the pipe for them which is really awesome.
I guess I’m just a DIY’er. I just cut 100+ 1/2 inch and 1 inch pieces for my string project kids. 🙂
I’ll be posting some strategies that incorporate the PVC very soon.
Wow. A really creative approach! Thank you for sharing.