TPi May 2014

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May 2014 TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL 59
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.
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.
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.