Rentals
Split Frame Clamshell – Pipe Cold Cutting
Split Frame Clamshell portable pipe cutters offer a safe, non-heat method for precise cold cutting and beveling in hazardous environments where there is a high risk of ignition or explosion.
Cold cutting machines, such as split frames aka clamshells, are designed to be mounted on the outside diameter (OD) of a pipe and are powered by a pneumatic motor to simultaneously cold cut and bevel the pipe end. Their low-profile, portable design makes them ideal for use in remote locations, such as pipeline tie-ins, anomaly digs, or offshore system decommissioning. This cold work application eliminates the risk of sparks, flames, and overheating, creating a safer work environment and helping ensure consistent, high-quality weld preparations. These versatile cold cutters can apply multiple bevel types to a wide range of pipe OD sizes, materials, and wall thicknesses.
Features/Benefits
- Low profile – machines can operate in tight areas with 4.13” to 7.13” of radial clearance around the pipe OD.
- Fast – quickly splits to mount around the pipe OD with a quick-change magnetic leg design. Can be easily squared and centered within minutes.
- Efficient – creates a weld ready surface with no hand finishing needed.
- Versatile – common 4” pipe diameter cutting range, mounts on straight run pipe, 90’s, 45’s and reducers. Used on light wall and heavy wall pipe cutting with the ability for multiple bevel types. (standard, double, compound and J-bevels)
- Safety – eliminates the risk of flames, sparks, and overheating. Can be used in hazardous areas where LEL’s, liquids, and other products are present.
- Precise – ensures consistent, straight, repeatable, and high-quality weld preparations every time.
Specs
- Steel split frames cover from 4” to 150” OD pipe size.
- Trip assembly feed engagement can be set at .002 or .004 per revolution.
- Fitted with two types of feet pads. Flat-faced for straight pipe and pointed for weld fittings or odd shapes.
- Comes with 4” tool block slides for smaller machines or thin wall cutting and 5” tool block slides for medium/heavier wall cutting.
- Uses a right angle air motor for lighter duty applications and a larger in-line air motor for heavy duty applications.
Unit Includes
- Clamshell/Splitframe machine
- (2) Tool Block Slides
- (1) Trip Feed Assembly
- Standard Flat & Pointed Feet and Extended Feet
- Air Motor and Hose Whip
- FRL (air filter, regulator and oiler)
- All required hand tools
- Cutting Tools and Blades
- Job Storage Box
Optional Accessories
- Motor Options – Pneumatic Heavy Duty (90PSI/90CFM), Hydraulic (8GPM) / With 15HP Power Unit, Electric Motor
- Axial Feed
- Bridge Slide
- Counter Bore – Straight or Swivel
- Facing Attachment (125 or 250 Finish)
- Out of Round Slides

