Optimizing Rehab Cutter Performance with Cutter Bit Selection

Posted by Venay Sehgal Bhatia on Jun 11, 2019 12:16:00 PM

Sewer rehabilitation cutter operations require a great deal of attention to detail. Whether you’re using a cutter to reinstate lateral connections or to repair defective liner, whether you’re preparing for CIPP work or ready to grind away protruding taps—the job on hand is an important one and requires precision and experience. However, even the most advanced lateral and mainline rehabilitation and reinstatement cutters can’t work effectively without the right cutter bit. Cutter bits can make or break a job, and choosing the wrong one can damage your cutter, slow down your team and add unnecessary time and cost to projects. Getting acquainted with the various cutter bits’ purposes can increase the quality of rehabilitation projects, productivity of operators and lifetime of your rehabilitation cutter.

Cutter Bit SelectionCutter bits come in a variety of sizes, shapes and material—all with a special job on hand. Cutter bits designed for one pipe material or size may not be suitable for use in another. Pipe diameter limits how a cutter can maneuver and articulate itself to perform rehab, and your cutter and bit size will usually dictate the size of the pipe you can work in. If you choose a bit that’s too small, you may waste time and money if the project takes longer than intended. If you use a bit that’s too big, you risk damaging pipes.

In addition to size, cutter bits come in different shapes—designed to perform very specific jobs. Some can cut pipes and liners, while others are intended for finishing. Material, bit shape and size of the pipe are all very important to take into account when choosing a bit. Just some examples of the specialized bits available include

    • Corundum cup wheel. Used to grind offsets, protruding taps and general defects in 4-28” metal pipe
    • Diamond milling tools. Used to grind offsets, protruding taps and general defects in 6-16” concrete and stone pipe
    • Diamond cone. Used for cutting pvc, grp and felt liners, as well as for roots and calcification in 4-16” plastic pipes
    • Carbide half globe. Used to finish 3-10” pipes and to cut pvc, grp and felt liners in 3-4” plastic pipes
    • Epulo cone and ball. Used in 8-28” lines to cut pvc, grp and felt liners and for root and calcification in plastic pipes, as well as to cut and remove failed liner
    • Brushes. Used to finish projects in 4-16” pipes

cutter bit selection posterThe above isn’t an expansive list, but just a small selection of the choices a sewer rehabilitation professional is presented with. In order to make it easier for you to choose the right cutter bit for the job, we’ve created a FREE Rehab Cutter Bit Selection Guide. Simplify your sewer pipe rehabilitation with our easy-to-understand poster, perfect for your van or truck. Provide your address and PRT will mail one to you for free (anywhere in the US or Canada):

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Topics: Sewer Cutters

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Pipeline Renewal Technologies delivers innovation to processes ranging from pipe point repair to relining and lateral reinstatement. Cutting edge technology, combined with dependability and support, have made us the industry's partner of choice.

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