this post was submitted on 27 Aug 2026
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Lpt: a circular saw is quicker than a sawzall on 2in aluminum pipes. If you aren't sure what kind of metal you're working with, use a magnet. If it sticks, use a sawzall. If it doesn't, use a circular saw. With a little practice, you can get through a 2in pipe in under 45 seconds (12s is my record for 2in aluminum pipe)
How you use that little tidbit of info is up to you I guess, I just like sharing information about metalworking, since I'm a hobby level blacksmith.
And just in case you want to go camping with your metalworking tools, as one does, there are some decent brands that fit nicely in a backpack, and you can get around your campground quickly with bicycles. Just don't bring your phone, they ruin bike trips.
Handheld band saw for the pros:
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/details/m18-fuel-dual-trigger-deep-cut-band-saw-kit/2929s-22
They are typically at least 2.85in in diameter, not 2in. They describe them on the sales receipt/contract.
Rotating around the circumference of a pipe makes the circumference inconsequential. As long as they aren't 2.5 in thick in the wall of the pipe, you're good.
If they are 2.5 in thick, an oxyacetylene torch can be carried by two people rather easily.
Angle grinder?
Typically going to take more time than the circular saw with ferrous pipe, but approximately the same amount of time as a sawz-all in the case of aluminum or lead piping.
Another Journeyman Blacksmith, and Apprentice Redsmith and Whitesmith.