TPi May 2014

Powered pipe-threading tips: 2" pipe By Teodora Takacs, business development manager, Ridgid/Ridge Tool Company, Belgium

Step 3: Select your pipe With the machine set up, you are ready to thread and can begin setting up your pipe. In most cases, the pipe lengths will be 6m long. As a reminder, schedule 40 pipe 2" thick against 6m in length will weigh around 1.6kg per 0.3m. Remember this when transporting your pipe around a job site. Caution when doing so is essential to the safety of both yourself and others working in the area. Step 4: Load the pipe It does not matter if you load your pipe from the rear or front of the machine, but you must take appropriate precautions when doing so. Most importantly, it is vital to ensure the rear (work holder) and front chucks are opened to a diameter larger than the diameter of pipe you are loading into your machine. If you are loading 2" diameter pipe into a 2" machine, for example, then both chucks need to be opened to the maximum allowable travel. Failure to do so runs the risk of ramming the pipe’s end into the chuck jaws, which could damage the jaws or the plates holding the jaws in place. This kind of abrupt stoppage also offers potential to injure the operator. Step 5: Pipe support It is highly recommended that you use a roller pipe support out of the back of the machine when threading a full length of pipe (6m). The pipe support should be placed approximately 2.5m behind the machine to ensure a level pitch in relationship to the rear chuck. Remember, you will also need approximately 20-25cm of pipe extending out of the front chuck when setting the work in place. This travel distance, of course, can vary based on the type of threading machine used. Step 6: Know the functions of your machine Threading machine operations typically consist of three functions: the thread, the ream and the cutting of the pipe. This terminology indicates that the machine includes built-in tools to perform these various tasks. ‘Power drive’ is another term that will come up. If that is the case, external hand tools will be used to perform the thread, ream and cut. On a threading machine, the pipe reamer is the first tool to the right, and most tradesmen will make this their first operation. Threading will follow and cutting will be last.

T hreading pipe has been popular since the 1940s and used for pipe applications ranging from potable water systems and heating and boiler applications in residential to a variety of commercial settings. Today, threading is most prevalent in industrial and commercial applications as piping technology and materials (plastic and copper) have evolved. However, in order for threading to be effective and safe, there are a few rules to play by. Here, let’s remind ourselves what those rules are by taking a look at best practices for threading 2" pipe – a common diameter you’ll come across in the field.

Step 1: Decision time – power or manual threader?

To prepare for a job that will require pipe threading, a couple of decisions need to be made. The first step is deciding between using a manual threader or a power threader. To do so, ask yourself: “How many threads do I need to produce?” Then consider the man-hours it will take to complete the job. If you have multiple threads to cut, limited man power, and a power threader is at your disposal, then a power threader is far and away the better choice. Step 2: Setting up The set-up of your power threader on a job site is very important. You must ensure that you are able to set up on a relatively flat surface, with minimal pitch to your machine. If you need to improvise, set up your machine on a surface with a concrete base, such as a garage floor.

You will also want to set up as close to your power source as possible. Minimising extension cord use is important to avoid a drop in voltage and thus power to your machine. If an extension is necessary, it is recommended to use a low-gauge cord, which limits the inconsistencies of power supply on some jobsites.

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May 2014 TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL