How to Notch Tube with Cheap Tools!

Learn to notch tubing quickly using a template and a grinder. This video shows how to create templates for quick notching and how to notch tubing if you don't have access to a tube notcher.

Tube notchers are most valuable in production work where many of the same notch are needed. In this video we discuss why an expensive tube notcher may not be worth the expense for small shops and how you can save time by just notching by hand.

0:00 Intro
1:26 Tube Notching Using a Template
5:10 Creating a Notching Template
7:03 Notching a Tube at 90 Degrees Without a Notcher
9:00 Why Tube Notchers Don't Save Much Time
13:08 Notching a Tube at 45 Degrees Without a Notcher

The Tools Featured in This Video:

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Empire Abrasives
Get 10% Off! Use Promo Code GarageFab

Harbor Freight Grinder
Corded 4-1/2 in. 5 Amp Angle Grinder

Welder ESAB Fabricator

Plasma Cutter Hypertherm

Vise Wilton

Hole Cutters - Hougen

Sheet Metal Shears - Kett

The Video Production Equipment I Use:

Cameras:

Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera

Lumix G7 Mirrorless Camera

Audio Equipment:

Rode Wireless Go Lav

Giant Squid Lav

Sound Recorder Zoom H4n Pro

Tripod Manfrotto

Tripod Head

Neewer Camera Slider

Teleprompter

Lighting:

Flashpoint Ring Light

Phottix Nuada R3

[RackleHuntressBR]

There really are a LOT of tube notching videos on YT but this one is by far the most detailed one I found. I’m in the process of building a roll cage(pre cut tubes cuz I’m a noob) and I’ll be making those templates for the next one. Thank you so much!! 🤘

[araldmax]

I believe after doing a couple of dozen try’s it would take me a little under three minutes, thanks for the tip. 👍🏻

[PureClint]

I have a 3D printer, and this video made me go search for 3D printed tube notching models for templates. Turns out there are loads available. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

[blaphtome]

A chop saw, band saw, or better yet a modern cermet metal cutting saw set at 32 degrees will make perfect notches for 90 degree pipe connections in a fraction of the time with no template needed. You can learn the degrees needed for angles with very little experimentation. I mostly do structural work now, but have built thousands of feet of tube railing using this method. Cut pipe at 32, rotate pipe 180 and repeat. You'll figure out the rest quickly if you have a room temp IQ.

[jimbojimson]

I'm blown away by all the simple yet ingenious tricks I keep learning from this channel, there are so many projects I can use this on

[bigleroy]

I fabricate, repair and weld all day every day on farm and construction equipment and I am learning many many little nuggets of info and tips from you. Thanks.

[hawaiiansoja]

Holy shit!! The trick where you slide the marker on the table to mark a straight line on the pipe is absolute genius!!!

[dennishill]

As a steamfitter I often use a program that allows me to print out a continuous sheet of paper with x's on the sheet that I would then i.e. wrap this template around a 6" pipe, tape it and then take a punch and mark at each x on the sheet to end up with the correct cut line. Next I get the torch out and cut on the line, clean it up and ready to weld.
I can do this in the field very easily for any size or angle and for instance I could put a 3" saddle on a 6" pipe at 45 degrees.
In a fab shop we always have templates for various combinations and sizes or I would just get out the pipefitters handbook and layout according to the formula.
I like your presentation. well done.

[Lucky.Sailor]

If you need to develop a notch template for the first time and don't have any pre-notched pipe at the angle you need, you could use something like Autodesk Fussion 360 or any other CAD system to generate the template. You can then export the template lines to a printer or even send them to a laser cutter if you have access to one. 👍

[howardhughes]

I was thinking about buying a notcher and I’m not. Great video. You earned this welders subscription

[mikemccoy]

Great teacher! You've put alot of work into simplifying things so they cant be misunderstood. You have a real gift. Thanks for sharing. I'm not a car guy but the way you explain thinks makes it fascinating.

[dopedreamz]

I bought and repaired a stick welder last year, this video will enable me to do my own exhaust work with the tools I have! Thank you for taking the time

[SOLDADITO]

No luxuries in my work space what's so ever, don't even have 220V or a air compressor. Just started using cordless tools just last year, but I still find my self using mainly hand tools. I have found if you can do things by hand you are more well knowledge in those things you work/build by hand. I've been wrenching on vehicles for a while now without having the finer things while doing it. Not being the best out their, I am pretty dang good at the things I do. Out of all the videos I've seen on this matter, your is the first I've seen to bevel the edges to be welded. Good information for anyone.

[charlienewman]

I have been professionally fabricating for years and I learn every day, every tip even if one nugget of info Helps ! ( the sharpie tip was slick ) great instruction
Thanks for taking your time to share
Best
Charlie

[williamfolk]

I am a complete Novice, This is a very detailed and concise Instructional process.
The knowledge of the 1/4 of the tube diameter resolves tons of trial and error.
Fantastic information great job!
Very clear and the sequence of information really makes the process make more sense.
Thank you Sir!

[MartianDanTheMartianMan]

There are some stores that sell notching templates or they can be ordered, but actually going through the motions is just as important for different angles and fitting different size pipes or tubes.
Best video on YT because you actually show how long it takes to make the notch and point out the difference between DIY and pro tool.

[Nhlf]

Great video sir ! Your out side of box thinking is” top notch” . 😂😂

[michaelbrown]

I've only seen a few videos on knotching, but gut frustrated. Your descriptive explanation, and examples are amazing. I feel I can now better attempt to start a custom bike build. Thank you so much. Amazing.

[dirtyburd]

I used the same method for making sheet metal tees at work at an HVAC shop. Layout takes too long for quick fitting construction! What a time saver!!!

[notme]

I have not yet needed to make any tubing notches but I have about seven or eight of those Grinders so if the need comes up I can certainly handle it thanks to your video. Thank you