Better Living > Frugal Living > AdviceJanuary 09, 2009

Cutting PVC: What Would Susan Do?

PCV Cutting Inspired By Susan

PCV Cutting Inspired By Susan

Recently, I needed some white plastic shelves put back together in a closet. However, I had a gap that didn't reach the top, but the full height of the shelf was too high.

So, I decided to use my trusty dusty little 3.97 hacksaw and cut the PVC like supports down. But, without a vise, it's hard to hold them.

Then, I swear, I thought to myself "What would Susan do"?

I had a couple of milk cartons stacked on each other, and slid one tube inside the hand cutouts, and was able to press the tube forward and cut it, without it sliding! It would work for wood dowels, etc.

I took a photo and went right to the computer to log on and submit it, when I heard the news about our wonderful and wise leader.

It took me a while to decide if I even wanted to submit anything anymore. I was not sure that her family was going to continue on and getting paid for ideas just seemed "tacky" for some reason. Then, I read so many things that she did and what we all said about her, and I thought she would want us all to keep up the good work she had started. So, here I am again.

I will start making some submissions of Valentines crafts, but I have to admit, I don't have as many as I did Christmas. However, I will keep going and keep thinking "Wow, wouldn't Susan have loved this one"!

By Sandra from Salem, OR

Editor's Note: Thank you, Sandra, for submitting this and choosing to be a part of ThriftyFun. The family is certainly continuing on as well as we can, we all have ThriftyFun in our blood. This site is more than one person, no matter how important. It is a community and we need all of you to make it a success. So keep your great ideas coming and make Susan proud!

By

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By
11/07/2009

Sandra - I wanted to say thanks for including a picture with your idea. When you said "milk cartons" all I could think of was paper milk cartons and I couldn't figure out how you were doing that with paper cartons. Now I fully understand. Thanks again.

By
02/08/2009

My favorite way to cut PVC is to use a pipe cutter. I found one at a local salvage store for a very reasonable price. I can hold the pipe with my left hand and spin the pipe cutter with my right hand.

You turn the pipe cutter around once or twice, and then tighten the srcew down a little bit to take a deeper bite.

By Wes Wong (Guest Post) 01/14/2009

If you have a selection of milk cartons to choose from some, instead of having an oval hole to put the PVC through, have a triangular hole which works even better because the 'v' shape on the bottom of the hole, holds the pipe/dowel more securely.

By Ragteller (Guest Post) 01/10/2009

I am sorry...I have been away for some time. Could someone tell me what happened to Susan?

<b>Editor's Note:</b>
Ragteller, please check this link for information on Susan's life: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91254454.tip.html

By
01/10/2009

Sandra,
As Sue's sister who often relied on her advice - she was always the one who could figure out how to "do stuff" - I was very touched by your title. Thanks for continuing to be part of the TF community.
Sherry

By
01/09/2009

This is a great idea. By using the crate to hold the tube in place you had an extra "hand" to hold it tight while cutting it off straight. Excellent!

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