Tube notcher & shrinker-stretcher
Precise notches in tubes for seamless welding and assembly, and rolled edges on sheet — the two tools that finish what the brake and roller started. Portable notchers for field repairs and remote job sites; shrinker-stretchers for exhaust and panel work.
Portable tube notcher
In industries like automotive, aerospace and structural fabrication, the ability to create precise notches in tubes is essential for seamless welding and assembly. A portable tube notcher offers the perfect combination of precision, versatility and mobility — enabling teams to achieve professional-grade results in the workshop or on site.
Material compatibility
| Material | Max tube diameter | Max wall thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Mild steel | 3 in (76 mm) | 0.125 in (3.2 mm) |
| Stainless steel | 2 in (51 mm) | 0.094 in (2.4 mm) |
| Aluminium | 4 in (102 mm) | 0.25 in (6.4 mm) |
| Copper / brass | 2.5 in (64 mm) | 0.125 in (3.2 mm) |
Notching capabilities
- Notch angles: adjustable from 0° to 60° for mitered joints
- Cutting depth: up to 1.5 inches (38 mm) for deep notches
- Tooling: compatible with hole saws (1–3 inches) or carbide-tipped bits
- Clamping system: vise-style clamps secure tubes during cutting
- Angle guides: graduated scales (±1° accuracy) for repeatable angles
- Depth stops: adjustable screws to control notch depth
Construction and portability
- Frame: lightweight aluminium or reinforced steel for durability
- Weight: 10–20 lbs (4.5–9 kg) for easy transport
- Footprint: 12–18 inches (30–46 cm) in length
Types
- Hole saw notchers: interchangeable hole saws for circular notches — structural frameworks or roll cages in automotive applications; e.g. notching 2-inch steel tubes for a custom motorcycle frame
- End mill notchers: rotating end mills for square or angled notches — precision joints in aerospace or architectural metalwork; e.g. creating 45° notches in aluminium tubing for handrails
- Adjustable angle notchers: pivoting head for variable notch angles — complex assemblies requiring custom angles; e.g. fabricating exhaust systems with tight bends
Shrinker-stretcher
The companion tool for edge work: a shrinker-stretcher rolls an edge on sheet metal — shrinking (curling in) or stretching (flanging out) — to form a rolled hem or flange for welding. The classic uses are exhaust tips, ductwork edges and panel work where a rolled edge gives stiffness and a clean finish without a die. Where the notcher prepares the joint, the shrinker-stretcher finishes the edge.
Applications
- Automotive manufacturing: roll cages — notching tubes for seamless welds in race car chassis; exhaust systems — angled joints for mandrel bends
- Construction and architecture: handrails — notching stainless steel or aluminium for curved installations; structural frames — preparing tubular joints for welded trusses
- Custom fabrication: field repairs and remote job sites where a stationary machine cannot go
Ask about the tube notcher & shrinker-stretcher
Send the part you need to bend and we will come back with a configuration and a quote.