Tool for 45 and 90 Degree Cuts on PVC Trunking

[RDB85]

I have bought a Mini Mitre Block for some Trunking as the cutters I have are better for Mini Trunking. I’m just looking for something that will allow me to mark the angle before cutting it. I was thinking either a Tri-Square or Trend ANGLEFIX. I then also need some advice on a file to smooth the edges down.

Any advice would be great.

 

[timhoward]

I actually use a chop saw, cowboy that I am. A cheap screwfix one is fine and just get a finer toothed blade for it. I’m expecting abuse for admitting this but it works for me!

 

[RDB85]

I actually use a chop saw, cowboy that I am. A cheap screwfix one is fine and just get a finer toothed blade for it. I’m expecting abuse for admitting this but it works for me!

I would love one. Just out of my budget unfortunately.

 

[nicebutdim]

Plastic trunking is best 'filed' with the edge of a knife

 

[RDB85]

Plastic trunking is best 'filed' with the edge of a knife

Oh right. I don’t think I would trust myself, hence why I was asking about a file.

 

[mattg4321]

Mitre box or chop saw for me.

 

[nicebutdim]

Oh right. I don’t think I would trust myself, hence why I was asking about a file.

Back of an old hacksaw blade would do just as well.

 

[RDB85]

Back of an old hacksaw blade would do just as well.

Thanks I will give that a try. Any mitre box recommendations before I order a cheap one and regret it.

 

[nicebutdim]

Thanks I will give that a try. Any mitre box recommendations before I order a cheap one and regret it.

Not suggesting they don't exist, but I'm yet to meet a mitre box I'd recommend.

 

[RDB85]

Would this be okay: Hultafors V20P 20cm Professional Try Square https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004ZFE...abc_XJWG15XS9C0924YFTQ3H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Or

Hultafors - Metric Rafter Square 18cm https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B089RW7HNF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_K5M9TS9PRZ02CH7VBFX0

 

[nicebutdim]

A square is a square, provided it's actually square, and will give you 90 or 45 degree angles.

 

[RDB85]

A square is a square, provided it's actually square, and will give you 90 or 45 degree angles.

That’s the problem some of the comments say they are fine. Others not so much.

 

[Jim_e_Jib]

That’s the problem some of the comments say they are fine. Others not so much.

If you are doing ultra fine woodwork then you'll probably notice if a square is fractionally out.


If you're chopping some plastic trunking, I wouldn't sweat it too much. Your technique with the saw will have a bigger impact on the final result than your set square being a quarter of a degree out.

Pick something reasonably priced from a brand you know and you'll be good to go. Don't overthink it.

 

[RDB85]

I think something such as this will do the job:

TREND DAR200 Digital Angle Rule, 20cm https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003NKALBC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_2VQKA5NK24FR23ZXQ6MW

 

[loz2754]

Rolson 50858 Combination Square, 300 mm https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004ST3ULA/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_HQEF7NZK65JGYXG034V0

 

[Mike Johnson]

I used to use one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shears-Tru...able-Including/dp/B07SFTHVBV/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?

 

[nicebutdim]

I use a combination square from Screwfix that cost a fiver - freehand steel trunking cuts with grinder all butt neatly, so it must be alright.

 

[telectrix]

years ago, my dad wanted a mitre block. he made one from some scrap timber, similar to this:

 

[Dustydazzler]

If I had a job that required a lot of trunking to be cut then I might be tempted to buy a cheap chop saw...

Titan TTB795MSW 210mm Electric Single-Bevel Compound Mitre Saw 240V - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Powerful compound mitre saw designed to produce precise cuts every time. Compact size and lightweight aluminium base for portability and comfortable use. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

But for a one off cut then a cheapo hacksaw and mitre box is fine

 

[RDB85]

If I had a job that required a lot of trunking to be cut then I might be tempted to buy a cheap chop saw...

Titan TTB795MSW 210mm Electric Single-Bevel Compound Mitre Saw 240V - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Powerful compound mitre saw designed to produce precise cuts every time. Compact size and lightweight aluminium base for portability and comfortable use. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

But for a one off cut then a cheapo hacksaw and mitre box is fine

That does look okay to be honest. I am looking to buy this one:

Evolution R210SMS 210mm Electric Single-Bevel Sliding Multi-Material Mitre Saw 220-240V - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Compound mitre saw complete with Evolution Rage multipurpose cutting technology. TCT blade can easily cut through wood, aluminium and mild steel, even if nails are still embedded in the material. The multipurpose blade cuts cleanly and leaves no burrs on steel...

www.screwfix.com

 

[Mike Johnson]

When buying a chop saw a main consideration is the adjustability of the fence and if it mitres on both sides of 90 deg, real pain if only on one side.

 

[RDB85]

When buying a chop saw a main consideration is the adjustability of the fence and if it mitres on both sides of 90 deg, real pain if only on one side.

I’ve never had one or even used one. I think it’s a tool that you would use more than you think.

 

[Dustydazzler]

When buying a chop saw a main consideration is the adjustability of the fence and if it mitres on both sides of 90 deg, real pain if only on one side.

If it only cuts one way then you will need to wire in circles

 

[Dustydazzler]

I’ve never had one or even used one. I think it’s a tool that you would use more than you think.

If you have lots of trunking to cut then a chop saw is great , I have one I used when I laid all my laminate at home it was so easy and cuts straight every time

 

[RDB85]

What would you go for the Titan one or the Evolution? Is it worth the extra?

 

[Dustydazzler]

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/4598707?istCompanyId=a74d8886-5df9-4baa-b776-166b3bf9111c&istFeedId=ec80e37c-7084-4de4-acaa-75978d50b2af&istItemId=ixilqlqrq&istBid=t&_$ja=tsid:72556|acid:B008ZAH6|cid:273141549|agid:1199567223953833|tid:pla-4578572625934793|crid:74972956823102|nw:search|dvc:c|st:argos%20chop%20saw|mt:be|loc:&cmpid=BPLA01&utm_source=Microsoft_Ads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=273141549&utm_term=default&utm_content=shopping&utm_custom1=1199567223953833&utm_custom2=B008ZAH6&gclid=43570406731e1f53dd2865cbe60f2387&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=43570406731e1f53dd2865cbe60f2387

I picked up one very similar to this when on sale for about 50 squid

No idea how it would compare to other similar priced ones , but I presume they are all much of a muchness in the 60-80quid price range

 

[Mike Johnson]

What would you go for the Titan one or the Evolution? Is it worth the extra?

Look at the specification of both, blade size and availability, Arbor size, fence adjustments, personally if I was buying again to cut a lot of trunking, I would probably go for a very small portable table type saw: PROXXON KS 230 Saw - https://www.axminstertools.com/proxxon-ks-230-saw-300095 infinitely adjustable for angles, walls are very rarely at right angles.

 

[nicebutdim]

Unless I was cutting pvc trunking all day every day, I can't imagine going to the hassle of hauling a chop saw around.

I remember once reading about someone on this forum using a grinder to cut dado trunking and was appalled at the idea. Turns out it was a great idea and I've used nothing else since.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Unless I was cutting pvc trunking all day every day, I can't imagine going to the hassle of hauling a chop saw around.

Think of the fringe benefits , 20 mins to get out and set up the chop saw , 20 mins to measure and cut your 2 lengths of mini trunking , 20 mins to clean up the mess and put the chop saw away...

Thanks a full hours pay you can bill the customer and the easiest 80 quid you will ever make

 

[nicebutdim]

Think of the fringe benefits , 20 mins to get out and set up the chop saw , 20 mins to measure and cut your 2 lengths of mini trunking , 20 mins to clean up the mess and put the chop saw away...

Thanks a full hours pay you can bill the customer and the easiest 80 quid you will ever make

I'd rather be out and off to the next job.

 

[SparkySy]

I have used an evolution chop saw for trunking many times both metal and plastic and for big jobs it's unbelievably quick. For a few cuts I will use a small square and hacksaw or a mitre block if necessary. Sometimes I will scribe the cut if it's a dodgy corner. Or I'll just use prefab bends.
All depends on the size of the job, if there are a lot of cuts then sod doing it all by hand when a machine will make it quicker!

 

[RDB85]

I have used an evolution chop saw for trunking many times both metal and plastic and for big jobs it's unbelievably quick. For a few cuts I will use a small square and hacksaw or a mitre block if necessary. Sometimes I will scribe the cut if it's a dodgy corner. Or I'll just use prefab bends.
All depends on the size of the job, if there are a lot of cuts then sod doing it all by hand when a machine will make it quicker!

Sounds good. Would you recommend the Evolution over the Titan?

 

[SparkySy]

I have no experience with the triton one unfortunately, the rage is excellent, I have two of them now a small one for out on site and a large sliding one for the workshop, they will do metal and plastic, just watch out for the red hot chips that come off metal as they leave a mark! Actually just watch out for the chips in general as they will always try and find your eyeball. Make sure you wear safety glasses! I didn't once and spent a good half an hour with someone poking around in my eyeball to remove the swarf Chip!!

 

[Scintillam]

If it’s just for plastic trunking I’d be tempted to try a mitre block with a fine tooth saw first and see how you get on, the tct saw blades can shatter the plastic trunking as you cut through it

This one has shaped pegs to clamp the trunking in place

Stanley Tools Clamping Mitre Box

Buy the Stanley Tools Clamping Mitre Box from us today. We offer UK Nationwide delivery & unbeatable prices.

www.building-supplies-online.co.uk

 

[RDB85]

If it’s just for plastic trunking I’d be tempted to try a mitre block with a fine tooth saw first and see how you get on, the tct saw blades can shatter the plastic trunking as you cut through it

This one has shaped pegs to clamp the trunking in place

Stanley Tools Clamping Mitre Box

Buy the Stanley Tools Clamping Mitre Box from us today. We offer UK Nationwide delivery & unbeatable prices.

www.building-supplies-online.co.uk

I’ve got these blades with my Bacho Mini Hacksaw:

Bahco 228-32-10P Junior Hacksaw Blade, 32TPI, 150mm, Pack of 10 Bahco 228-32-10P Junior Hacksaw Blade, 32TPI, 150mm, Pack of 10 : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0001IX76A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0G9PSPB6TKRCJNVT7WH5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[timhoward]

Lol I suggested a chop saw in post 2…..

But 20 mins to setup?! I wonder what I’m doing wrong - put on flat surface, set angle, plug in, check it’s square. More like 2 minutes really.

You could go in the middle and get a hand mitre saw!

Precision Mitre Saw Hand Wood Saw Angle Chop Saw Table Tools Aluminium / New | eBay

See pictures for Technical Data.

www.ebay.co.uk

But even a cheap chop saw is a very useful tool and fine for trunking with a fine toothed blade. As above make sure it does 45 degrees both ways or you have to cut half of it upside down!
Either of the models you mention will work just fine for trunking, I think the evolution one is more limited for use on wood as it doesn’t pull forwards from memory.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Look at the specification of both, blade size and availability, Arbor size, fence adjustments, personally if I was buying again to cut a lot of trunking, I would probably go for a very small portable table type saw: PROXXON KS 230 Saw - https://www.axminstertools.com/proxxon-ks-230-saw-300095 infinitely adjustable for angles, walls are very rarely at right angles.

Really surprised no one has commented on the above post?

 

[SJD]

Really surprised no one has commented on the above post?

I did look at the cutting depth and thought this must be for really small size conduit, sorry I didn't comment earlier!

 

[SparkySy]

@Mike Johnson I have used one of those for wood bothering in the past and they are excellent, it wouldn't probably work well for trunking as the depth of cut is only about 10mm from memory.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Lots of other Model Making table saws around that have a deeper cut, just thought a lighter unit would be a better bet than lugging a full size cross cut saw around a site, take the saw to the job rather than the job to the saw, saying that I would not be without my Bosch Gravity stand: