Abstract: Method and apparatus is disclosed for severing flat tubing. A length of tubing is gripped at longitudinally spaced apart locations and the tubing is deeply scored by rapidly rotating circular cutters which are moved across the faces of the tubing at a predetermined linear velocity. The angular velocity of the circular cutters greatly exceeds the linear velocity of traversal. An axial force is applied to separate the tubing.

Abstract: A rod mounting system for mounting expander rods in tube expander machines is disclosed. The mounting structure includes an opening in a header sized to receive the end of a mounting rod. A key extends into the opening from one side thereof. The rod end is provided with two longitudinally extending keyways and a peripheral groove. The first keyway extends from the end of the rod to an end face aligned with the peripheral groove. The second keyway extends from a location spaced from the end of the rod in both directions beyond the peripheral groove. The rod is installed in the header by longitudinal movement in an installation and removal orientation in which the key is aligned with the first keyway. When the rod engages the inner end of the first keyway, it is rotated to position the second keyway and the key in alignment. In such orientation, the rod is locked within the header for movement between two limits of longitudinal movement.