Abstract: An automatic feed system for a tube cutter is disclosed which automatically feeds a cutting tool into a tube and also automatically resets the cutting tool to its initial position once the tube has been cut. The automatic feed system has a cam element rotatably mounted in a cutting head defining a cam surface eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation of the cam element. A cam follower is formed on a cutting arm which is pivotally attached to the cutting head and has a cutting wheel attached thereto. The eccentric cam surface includes a substantially flat surface portion which lies in a plane extending substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the cam element which, when contacted by the cam follower, allows the pivot arm to assume an initial, retracted position. As the cam element rotates, the eccentric cam surface and the cam follower urge the cutting wheel into the tube wall.

Abstract: A tool support and guide assembly for use in repairing boiler tube panels includes a support carriage mountable upon a guide rail that has been previously installed to enable a panel saw tool to be guided along a straight cut line. The support carriage includes a second guide rail conforming in configuration to the first installed guide rail and which extends perpendicularly to the first rail towards the line of cut tube ends. A similar or the same panel saw is mounted on a carriage that is roller guided along the second rail for cutting the membrane between the tubes of the tube panel. A tube end preparation tool is also roller guided along the second guide rail to enable its positioning above each of the cut tube ends so that each tube can be machined (i.e., beveled) in preparation for welding thereto of a replacement tube panel. The perpendicular rails provide a simple guide assembly for accurately locating the saw and the tube end preparation tool.

Abstract: A tube cutting tool is described in which a cutting head is rotatably mounted within a cutting body wherein both define "C" shaped slots to enable the cutting tool to be inserted laterally over a tube. A cutting wheel is attached to the cutting head such that rotation of the cutting head causes the wheel to pass around the periphery of the tube. A feed device is incorporated which biases the cutting wheel into contact with the tube until the tubing wall has been completely severed. A gear drive mechanism interconnects a power source with the cutting head to rotate it about the tube. A clamping system is also disclosed to clamp the device onto the tube during the cutting process.