Whether you’re a professional craftsman or an amature, there are times when you might need to have a good tube notcher. While it’s possible to notch a tube without one, the old saying of “the right tool for the right job” definitely applies here. With the right tube notcher, you’ll find no end to the amount of time and effort saved rather than trying to go it alone.
There are a lot of different notchers out there, and while they all follow a similar principle there is no end to the ways these products can be different. Finding just the right one for your needs might seem like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack.
The good news, though, is that we’ve done the work for you, scouring over the different tube notchers on the market to find what we think are the best ones. Below is our list of the best tube notchers available, along with our final recommendation for the tube notcher that we think wins the prize.
COMPARISON CHART
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
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Kaka PN-1/2A Aluminium Frame Pipe and Tube Notcher
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Bosch HDG11 11-Piece Diamond Hole Saw Set
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Erie Tools Tube And Pipe Notcher Tool
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DEWALT Hole Saw Kit
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Woodward Fab
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Specification
| Max. capacity: | 2″ Round tube, adopts 1/2” and 5/8” threaded saws |
| Material: | Made of aluminum |
| Item Weight: | 6.16 pounds |
| Size: | Small |
| Style: | Drill-press mounted; mount anywhere |
The Kaka PN-1/2A might just include the best of all worlds: sturdily built, this tube notcher manages to be versatile, flexible and affordable all at the same time. Packed with a ton of options and features, this tube notcher is hard to beat.
WHAT WE LIKE
Take it Anywhere
One of the best things about this tube notcher is how easy it is to use, no matter where you are. It’s definitely designed to work on a drill press, but even when you are without a press you can still use this – just use a strong clamp or vise, and you’ll find yourself in business no matter what.
Versatile and Flexible
Another great thing about the Kaka PN-1/2A is that it can pretty much handle any size cut you want, in any direction or angle. It comes with a variety of bit sizes, and the mounting arm lets you turn and swivel the tubes and pipes in any direction. Furthermore, the arm allows a full 45-degree angle or rotation, in one-degree increments. Put this all together and you have a versatile tool that gives you the perfect cut, every time.
PROS
- Flexible in size, angle and direction of cut
- Can mount on drill press or any surface
- Gives you complete control over your cut
- Maes cutting through bike frames, roll cages or other similar features a snap
CONS
- This is not industrial-grade, and it shows in the construction
- Requires threaded arbor hole saws, which might lead to extra purchases on your part
Specification
| Included in set: | a mandrel, an AutoStart pilot bit 1/4 inch, 5/16 inch, 3/8 inch, 5/8 inch 1 inch, 1-3/8 inch, 2 inch 2-1/4 inch, 2-1/2 inch |
| Material: | Plastic. Diamond-tipped |
| Item Weight: | .03 pounds (per bit) |
| Size | Small |
| Style: | Hand-held drill |
Very different from the Kaka PN-1/2A is the Bosch HDG11. Rather than just being a dedicated tube notcher, this versatile set of hole saw cutters comes with a variety of diamond-grit cutters that will make short work of just about any surface you dig them into.
Of course, tube notching is one of the main applications for a set like this, and in this respect it does not disappoint, The diamond-grit blades can cut into PVC and other piping materials, but they can also chew through ceramic, porcelain and other products as well, giving you plenty of bang for your buck.
WHAT WE LIKE
No Pilot Hole Required
Usually, when you use a blade like this, you have to start with a pilot hole or take your chances. The Bosch HDG11, on the other hand, does not require a pilot hole, thanks to AutoStart Technology, which lets it grab and bite into your surface quickly. This saves you plenty of time and effort.
More Than Just a Notcher
One of the great things about this product is that it’s not just a tube notcher. Sure, that’s what you’re looking for right now, but think of other projects you have to work on. If you are in need of a precision hole cut into tile, wood or other surfaces, then this set works just as well in that application too. In the end, buying this could save you a lot of time and hassle.
PROS
- Saws through pipes, ceramic, porcelain and other difficult materials
- Comes with 11 sizes for variety and versatility
- AutoStart pilot bit starts all holes perfectly
CONS
- Designed to work as a wet saw, underwater
- Users report difficulty cutting through concrete or asphalt
- Plastic case wears down quickly
Specification
| Max. Capacity | Cuts up to 3 inches |
| Material: | Steel |
| Item Weight: | 10.1 pounds |
| Size | medium |
| Style: | Drill-press mounted; mount anywhere |
Another dedicated tube notching tool, the Erie Tools notcher looks at first glance like a stronger, more durable version of the Kaka PN-1/2A. In some ways, this is accurate. It is definitely larger, and gives you the ability to cut larger holes – up to 3 inches, larger than the standard 2 1/2 -inch holes most tube notchers give you. It’s also constructed of steel rather than aluminum.
All of these are a definite bonus. However, the Erie Tools notcher is also lacking in some areas, most notable the lack of any hole saw blades. This might be enough to give you pause, depending on your ultimate plans for your tube notcher.
WHAT WE LIKE
Strong Frame
As mentioned already, the construction of this one is just a step up from most. A super strong and durable frame gives you a ton of support, which is great when you’re working to cut through larger, tougher pieces.
Safely Mounts Anywhere
Okay, maybe not “anywhere,” but this notcher easily mounts to drill presses, work tables or other surfaces with the bolts, clamps or vises, so you can take it wherever the action is. Just make sure it’s mounted securely, as any give can spell trouble later on.
PROS
- Fully adjustable clamps provide let you work and cut at any angle you need
- Heavy duty steel frame for strength and durability
- Adaptable to a variety of presses, tables and other spaces
CONS
- Does not come with hole saw blades
Specification
| Max. Capacity | Cuts up to 2 ½ inches |
| Material: | Metal |
| Item Weight: | 4.69 pounds |
| Size | Small |
| Style: | Hand-held drill bit attachments |
Similar to the Bosch kit, this isn’t a tube notcher per se, but a holw saw kit that gives you tube notching options, as well as a host of other applications. Built to last, and with the trusted Dewalt name to stand behind, you could do a lot worse than this kit.
Also Read: Dewalt vs Milwaukee
WHAT WE LIKE
Built for Maximum Productivity
Everything about this kit is made for you to work fast and efficiently. The variety of strong cutting blades means you can cut through different materials quickly, with just the right size for each cut. Whether its metal, tile, wood, or something else, this tool can handle it. Further, the quick-change mandrel lets you switch out blades with almost no effort or time wasted, ensuring you get more done.
PROS
- Includes blades ranging from ¾” to 2 ½”
- Sturdy construction
- Quick change mandrels make work fast and easy
CONS
- Some users report problems with plate steel
- Plastic carrying case is prone to wear and tear
Specification
| Max. Capacity: | Cuts up to 2 inches |
| Material: | Metal |
| Item Weight: | .01 pounds |
| Size | Medium |
| Style: | Drill press or hand-held press mountable |
Our last item on this list is the Woodward Fab notcher. This versatile tool is a drill-press mounted tool that uses the power of hole saw blades to both cut and notch pipes. This lets you create standard cuts and even saddle notches in a short amount of time.
WHAT WE LIKE
Take it Anywhere
Although the Woodward Fab is optimized for drill presses, it doesn’t have to stay there. Mount this to a hand-held press or a stand-alone motor so you can take it on the go wherever you need it.
Hole Saw Blades
As mentioned above, the hole saw blades mean you can have a variety of cuts. Swap out the blades for different sizes, up to 2 inches.
PROS
- Mounts to a variety of surfaces
- Can make both standard cuts and saddle notches
- Quick and easy to use
CONS
- Can be out of stock or hard to find form certain vendors
Buyer’s Guide
When buying a tube notcher, there are a couple of things to consider. First, how big are the pipes or tubes you are looking at? While most will be two inches or less, some situations do call for pipes that are bigger than that. Some notchers are able to handle larger pipes, and some can not.
Second, what material are you cutting? You might think that all tube notchers can handle everything, but some are more durable than others. PVC pipes are one thing, but metals such as lead or aluminum can wear down all but the toughest blades after a while. It’s good to buy a notcher with strong blades that can also be replaced easily when the time comes.
Third, what angles are you going to cut? Some notchers go to 45 degrees; some go higher than that. This can make a big difference on whether or not you are able to complete your project successfully.
Our Recommendation
When you put all of that together, along with factors like price and availability, the choice for us is clear: while all of these notchers are (pardon the pun top-notch, our firm choice is the Kaka PN-1/2A.
