Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a tube, preferably provided with a hard surface, into pieces which involves first subjecting the coated tube to the grinding action of a disk to remove a narrow band of coating and to effect a shallow groove in the tube prior to contacting the bottom of the groove with a cutting knife to slice the tube into pieces having ends which are essentially planar and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pieces. The knife and grinding disc may be mounted on reciprocally movable carriages. The movable carriage supporting the grinding disc is preferably mounted on an adjustment rod so as to permit precise spacing relative to the exterior surface of the tube. The grinding disc is controlled to prevent it from contacting a mandrel supporting the tube.