Georg Fischer Piping Systems RA 21, RA 21 Special User Manual

Operating Instructions

Code 790 044 762

RA 21 and RA 21 Special

Pipe Cutting and

Bevelling Machines

GEORG FISCHER +GF+

These operating instructions are part

of machine no.: .........................

All rights retained, in particular the rights to reproduction, dissemination and
translation.
Copying or reproduction in any form (print, photocopy, microfilm or data
acquisition) require written permission from Georg Fischer Rohrverbindungs­technik GmbH.

Table of Contents

Page

0 About these operating instructions 1

1 Notes on safety 2

2 Description of the pipe cutter 4

3 Features and scope of application

of the pipe cutter 5

4 Technical specifications 7

5 Commissioning 8

5.1 Checking the scope of delivery 8

5.2 Transporting and assembling
the pipe cutter 9

6 Operation 10

6.1 Fitting the saw blade /
additional cutter 10

6.2 Adjusting the pipe diameter 12

6.3 Adjusting the additional cutter 13

6.4 Using stops 14

6.5 Cutting the pipe 16

6.6 Cutting and bevelling the pipe 18

7 Maintenance 20

8 What to do if ...? 22

GEORG FISCHER +GF+

I

II

GEORG FISCHER +GF+

0 About these operating

instructions

The symbols used in this manual are explained
here to help you quickly understand the
operating instructions and use them effectively.

Symbols

Note on safety

This general hazard symbol accompa­nies passages of text which you should
read and understand under all circum­stances. By failing to do so you could
endanger yourself and others.

Important information

Passages of text which convey important
information are accompanied by this
symbol. Failing to observe them can
cause machine malfunctions or damage.

! Action

This arrow indicates an action you must
perform.

GEORG FISCHER +GF+

1

1 Notes on safety

The RA 21/RA 21 Special Pipe Cutting and
Bevelling Machine (referred to as a pipe cutter
in the following) is a state-of-the-art machine.
Using it for purposes other than those described
in this manual may cause injury to the user or to
others. It may also damage the machine or
other equipment.

Therefore:
º Always ensure that the machine is in good

working order and always comply with
these notes on safety.

Proper use

º Only use the materials and types of pipe

specified in this manual (see chapter 3).
Always consult Georg Fischer after-sales
service personnel before using other
materials.

º Only use the pipe cutter for cutting and

bevelling operations as described in
chapter 6.

º Only use original Georg Fischer spare parts

and auxiliaries.

º Inspect the pipe cutter every day for visible

signs of damage or defects. Any damage or
defects must be repaired immediately.
Work on the electrical installations may only
be performed by a qualified electrician.

º Do not use the pipe cutter unless all safety

devises

- restart inhibitor

- overload protection

- saw blade guard
are working properly and the fixtures on the
vise and baseplate are fitted securely.

2

GEORG FISCHER +GF+¹

Working with safety in mind

"Make your contribution to safety at the workplace."

Report any unusual behaviour on the part of the
machine to the person in charge immediately.

Always work with safety in mind.

º Wear safety goggles during

cutting and bevelling operations.

º Switch the RA 21 (S) off after

completing each stage of work and
allow the machine to run a stop.

º Disconnect from the mains before

cleaning the pipe cutter.

The cutter and saw blade may cause
injury.
Therefore:

º Keep your hands away from the

tools during cutting and bevelling
operations.

Keep the pipe cutter dry, do not use
in the rain.

Do not use the pipe cutter in areas
subject to explosion hazards.

Disposal

Please make sure that material chips and used
gear oil are disposed of properly.

Further safety rules

Comply with the regulations, standards and
guidelines that apply in your country.

GEORG FISCHER +GF+

3

2 Description of the

pipe cutter

The pipe cutter is a robust, user-friendly,
service-friendly and safety-oriented design.

Vise and saw

All mechanically stressed parts are metal.
The rounded, smooth edges help to avoid
accidents.
The saw blade and jaws are close togethers
which reduces vibrations during cutting.

Motor and power cable

The motor can be easily removed. The motor
housing and switches are made from lightweight,
impact-resistant plastic.
Integrated into the power cable is a slipring
contact which prevents the cable from twisting
during cutting.

1 pipe diameter adjusting

facility
2 locking screw
3 worm gear
4 nameplate
5 motor
6 on/off switch
7 locking knob for on/off

switch
8 power cable with slipring

contact
9 vise

4

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

GEORG FISCHER +GF+¹

9

8

3 Features and scope of

application of the pipe
cutter

The pipe cutter
º is a fully configured working machine suitable

for workshop and building site operation;

º is part of the combined KM 2 and GTM 2

pipe cutting and threading machines;

º works using the safety-enhancing principle:

stationary pipe, rotating tool.

The pipe cutter is suitable for
º cutting and
º bevelling
pipes.

The cut pipes are free from burr, so no
deburring (in- or outside) is required.
This reduces the risk of corrosion.

Scope of application RA 21 RA 21

Special

º pipe Ø 1/4" to 2"

or 10 mm to 63 mm X X

º up to 5.5 mm wall

thickness

Chrome and stainless
steel pipes up to 1.5 mm X
wall thickness

Solid material
Ø 6 mm to 16 mm X

GEORG FISCHER +GF+

5

The following materials can be used:
º steel, black or galvanised
º chrome and stainless steel

(up to 2.5 mm wall thickness)
º aluminium
º non-ferrous metals (e.g. copper, brass)
º plastics (PE, PP, PVDE, PVC)
Other materials on request.

Do not use cast pipes with glass-hard

surfaces (GG).

6

GEORG FISCHER +GF+¹

4 Technical specifications

Manufacturer Georg Fischer

Rohrverbindungstechnik GmbH
D-78224 Singen

Dimensions 300 x 450 x 300 mm

Weight
(incl. vise) 34 kg

Power 550 W

Protection class Totally insulated in accordance

with Class II DIN VDE 0740

Speed 180 rpm

Versions 1-phase AC

110 ... 120 V, 50/60 Hz
230 ... 240 V, 50/60 Hz

Sound pressure
level at the
workplace at idle: approx. 82 dB (A)

under load: approx. 84 dB (A)

As the noise level may also exceed 84 dB (A)
under unfavourable operating conditions, we
recommend the use of suitable ear protection
when the machine is used for extended periods.

The sound pressure level was measured under
normal operating conditions in accordance with
EN 23741.

Vibration level
in accordance
with EN 28662,
Part 1 < 2.5 m/s

GEORG FISCHER +GF+

2

7

5 Commissioning

5.1 Checking the scope of delivery

Check all parts of the delivery for completeness
and transport damage. Please report missing
parts or transport damage to the support
immediately.

Normal accessories

(subject to change without notice)
º 1 saw blade
º 1 ring spanner, 22 mm
º 1 brush
º 2 hexagon Allen keys
º 1 tube of saw blade lubricant
º 1 quick mounting base plate
º 1 tube of special gear oil

8

GEORG FISCHER +GF+¹

5.2 Transporting and assembling the pipe cutter

Transport

Disconnect from the power supply
before transporting, mounting or
dismounting and allow the machine to
run a stop.

Mounting the quick mounting base plate

The pipe cutter with the vise is mounted either
º on the quick mounting base plate, or
º on the quick mounting base plate

(special accessory) with clamps.

!Mark and punch

the bolt holes on
the work bench.
Use the quick­mounting baseplate
as a template.

!Drill 13 mm Ø holes.
!Bolt down the

quick-mounting
baseplate.

GEORG FISCHER +GF+

!Place the vise with

flanged-on pipe
cutter on the base
plate. Tighten the
hexagon nut (1).

1

9

6 Operation

6.1 Fitting the saw blade /

additional cutter

Disconnect the mains plug before fitting
or changing the tool.

The saw blade/additional cutter must be free
from chips and dirt.

Use only original Georg Fischer saw blades
and cutters.

The inscription on the saw blade (1) must
always face the pipe cutter. Observe sign for
saw blade guard.

1

!Loosen the locking

screw (1).

!Turn the pipe cutter

upwards 180°
clockwise.

!Tighten the locking

screw (1).

!Clean the saw blade

shaft (2) and vicinity.

10

Preparatory work

1

2

GEORG FISCHER +GF+¹

Fitting the saw blade

1

2

345

Fitting the saw blade and additional cutter

1

2

3456

!Mount the following

on the shaft (1):
º saw blade (3)
º clamping disk (4)

code RA 21:
790 041 188
code RA 21 S:
790 044 192

!Tighten the nut (5)

by turning counter­clockwise. Left-hand
thread.

!Loosen the locking

screw (2).

!Turn the pipe cutter

clockwise back
down into its home
position.

!Mount the following

on the shaft (1):
RA 21:
º saw blade (3)
º additional cutter (4)
º clamping disk (5)

RA 21 S:
º saw blade (3)
º additional cutter (4)

!Tighten the nut (6)

by turning counter­clockwise. Left-hand
thread.

!Loosen the locking

screw (2).

!Turn the pipe cutter

clockwise back into
its home position.

GEORG FISCHER +GF+

11

6.2 Adjusting the pipe diameter

Threaded pipes to DIN 2440

!Release the lever

(1).

!Select pipe diameter

on the scale (3).

!Set the red mark on

the left side of the
stop (2) to the corre­sponding number.

!Tighten the lever (1).

!Insert the pipe in the

vise.

!Move the pipe

almost up to the
saw blade.

!Tighten the pipe in

the vise.

!Release the lever (1)

and set the stop (2)
to position 2".
Do not tighten.

!Raise the motor of

the pipe cutter as if
to start cutting, until
the points of the
saw blade teeth
project about 1.5
mm into the pipe.

!Tighten the lever (1).

2

3

3

1/4

1

2

/

1

1

2

/8

1/2

1

/4

/4

3

1

All other types of pipe

4

open

1

2

2

/

3

1

1/4

1

1/2

1

1

3/8

2

/

1

1

/

4

12

GEORG FISCHER +GF+¹

6.3 Adjusting the additional cutter

Simultaneous cutting and bevelling of steel pipes
up to a wall thickness of 4.5 mm is possible.

3

/8

/2

1

1

/4

1

2

2

/4

3

1

/4

1

1

/2

1

1

!Insert the pipe in the

vise.

!Move the pipe

almost up to the
additional cutter.

!Clamp the pipe in

the vise.

!Release the lever (1)

and set the stop (2)
to position 2".
Do not tighten.

!Raise the motor of

the pipe cutter as if
to start cutting, until
the cutter covers the
wall of the pipe.

!Tighten the lever (1).
!Do a test bevel and

check the result (see
section 6.6).

Bevel OK

GEORG FISCHER +GF+

Move the
stop (2) a
little to the
right

Move the
stop (2) a
little to the
left

13

!Mount the length

gauge (1).

!Swing the stop (2) in

to the middle of the
pipe and engage.

!Release the cross

knob (3).

!Set to the desired

length. Use the scale.

!Tighten the cross

knob.

!Push the pipe for-

wards up to the
stop and clamp.

!Swing the stop clear.
!Cut the pipe.

6.4 Using stops

Length gauge up to 250 mm

2

3

1

!Mount the length

gauge (1).

!Swing the stop in to

the middle of the
pipe.

!Use a yardstick to

extend the stop to
the desired length.

!Push the clamp (2)

up against the
housing and turn it
so that it is in
contact with the
work bench.

14

Length gauge over 250 mm

2

1

GEORG FISCHER +GF+¹

!Tighten the clamp.
!Push the pipe up

against the stop
and clamp.

!Swing the stop out

and push all the
way back.

!Cut the pipe.
!For the next cut,

extend the stop and
swing into place
clockwise.

GEORG FISCHER +GF+

15

!Connect the pipe

cutter to the mains.

!Apply saw blade

lubricant to the saw
blade teeth.

6.5 Cutting the pipe

Cut thin-walled chrome and stainless steel
pipe up to 1.5 mm wall thickness only with
RA 21 Special.

Put on safety goggles before cutting.

Repeat the lubrication every three cuts.

If in contact with drinking water or
foodstuffs, use only Georg Fischer
lubricating gel.

!Mark the cutting

location on the
pipe.

!Insert the pipe in the

vise.

!Push the marked

cutting location over
the saw blade.

!Clamp the pipe in

the vise.

16

³ 1 m

³ 1 m

Use a pipe support for pipes that are over
1 m long.

GEORG FISCHER +GF+¹

!Switch on the saw

motor. Press the on/
off switch (1) and
the locking button

1

2

(2).

1

3

3

/

8

2

/

1

1

/4

/4

3

1

/4

1

1

1/2

1

2

For non-stop operation: After cutting, loosen
the hexagon nut on the saw blade to avoid
damage caused by tension.

!Carefully turn the

pipe cutter clock­wise until the wall of
the pipe has been
pierced through.

!Continue to turn

rapidly until the pipe
has been cut off and
the marks (3) on the
slide housing and
vise housing are
aligned.

!Turn the pipe cutter

back into its home
position.

!Switch off the saw

motor. Press the on/
off switch (1) again.

GEORG FISCHER +GF+

17

!Connect the pipe

cutter to the mains.

!Apply saw blade lu-

bricant to the saw
blade teeth/cutting
surface.

6.6 Cutting and bevelling the pipe

This procedure combines cutting and bevelling
of the pipe. When cutting and bevelling simul­taneously, turn the pipe cutter more slowly
around the pipe that you would for cutting
alone, as two tools are used at the same time.

Put on safety goggles before cutting.

Repeat the lubrication every three cuts.

!Mark the cutting

location on the
pipe.

!Insert the pipe in the

vise.

!Push the marked

cutting location over
the saw blade.

!Clamp the pipe in

the vise.

18

If in contact with drinking water or
foodstuffs, use only Georg Fischer
lubricating gel.

³ 1 m

³ 1 m

Use a pipe support for pipes that are more
than 1 m long.

GEORG FISCHER +GF+¹

!Switch on the saw

motor. Press the on/
off switch (1) and
the locking button

1

2

(2).

1

3

3/8

2

/

1

1

/

4

4

/

3

1

1/4

1

/2

1

1

2

For non-stop operation: After cutting, loosen
the hexagon nut on the saw blade to avoid
damage caused by tension.

!Carefully turn the

pipe cutter clock­wise until the wall of
the pipe has been
pierced through.

!Continue turning

rapidly until the pipe
has been cut off and
the marks (3) on the
slide housing and
vise housing are
aligned.

!Turn the pipe cutter

back into its home
position.

!Switch off the saw

motor. Press the on/
off switch (1) again.

GEORG FISCHER +GF+

19

7 Maintenance

Disconnect the mains plug before
doing maintenance work.

Interval

every week

º every time the cutter is

cleaned

º every tool change

Activity

Remove the saw blade and brush off chips.
Oil the four locations marked by the arrows.

Check the oil level of the gear and top up if
necessary.

Do not use compressed air to clean the area at the
end of the shaft marked with an arrow as the rotary
shaft seal may otherwise be damaged by chips.

20

Use a cloth or brush to clean the end of the shaft.

GEORG FISCHER +GF+¹

Interval

Activity

after the first 150 hours
of operation
(or after 3 months,
whichever is sooner),
then every 1000 hours of
operation (or every year)

Fill with gear oil up to the threaded hole.

GEORG FISCHER +GF+

21

8 What to do if ...?

Problem

Pipe cutter will not turn.

Saw blade is not cutting
and is slipping.

Saw blade is not cutting.

Pipe is not being cut
concentrically.

Pipe is not being cut.

Motor not running.

Cause

Locking screw tightened.

Wrong pipe diameter
set.

Nut on saw blade shaft
not tight enough.

Saw blade wrong way
round.

Pipe cutter not flanged
on. Flange surfaces are
dirty.

Pipe diameter wrongly
set.

Clamping lever not tight.

The restart inhibitor has
tripped.

Remedy

Loosen locking screw.

Set pipe diameter
correctly.

Tighten nut.

Fit saw blade correctly.
Inscription on saw blade
must face the pipe cutting
machine (see chapter 6).

Remove pipe cutter,
clean mounting parts
and flange surfaces, bolt
pipe cutter back on.

Adjust pipe diameter
(see chapter 6).

Tighten clamping lever.

Turn switch to "0", then
switch the pipe cutter on.

22

GEORG FISCHER +GF+¹

Service / after-sales service

Spare parts: see separate spare parts list.
Separate service instructions are available for
the elimination of faults.
Alternatively, contact your local Georg Fischer
agent.
A list of addresses is provided on the back
cover of this manual.

Please quote the following data:

º Cutter type: RA 21/RA 21 Special
º Machine number: see nameplate.

The technical data are not binding.
They are not warranted characteristics and
are subject to change.
Please consult our General Conditions of
Supply.

GEORG FISCHER +GF+

23

GEORG FISCHER +GF+

A Georg Fischer Rohrleitungssysteme GmbH, Sandgasse 16, 3130 Herzogenburg,

Tel. [phone], Fax [phone], [e-mail], www.georgfischer.at

AUS George Fischer Pty Ltd, 186-190 Kingsgrove Road, Kingsgrove NSW 2008,

Tel. [phone], Fax [phone], [e-mail],
www.georgefischer.com.au

B/L Georg Fischer NV/SA, Digue du Canal 109-111 – Vaartdijk 109-111, 1070 Bruxelles/Brüssel,

Tél. [phone], Fax [phone], [e-mail],
www.georgfischer.be

CHGeorg Fischer Rohrleitungssysteme (Schweiz) AG, Ebnatstrasse 101, Postfach,

8201 Schaffhausen, Tel. [phone], Fax [phone],
[e-mail], www.piping.georgfischer.ch

D Georg Fischer Rohrverbindungstechnik GmbH, Freibühlstrasse 18/19, 78224 Singen (Htwl.),

Tel. [phone], Fax [phone], [e-mail],
www.rvt.georgfischer.com

DK/IS Georg Fischer A/S, Rugvænget 30, 2630 Taastrup, Tel. [phone],

Fax [phone], [e-mail], www.georgfischer.dk

F George Fischer S.A.S., 105–113, rue Charles Michels, 93208 Saint-Denis Cedex 1,

Tél. [phone], Fax [phone], [e-mail], www.georgefischer.fr

GB George Fischer Sales Limited, Paradise Way, Coventry, CV2 2ST, Tel. [phone],

Fax [phone], [e-mail], www.georgefischer.co.uk

I Georg Fischer S.p.A., Via Sondrio 1, 20063 Cernusco S/N (MI), Tel. [phone],

Fax [phone], [e-mail], www.georgfischer.it

N Georg Fischer AS, Rudsletta 97, 1351 Rud, Tel. [phone], Fax [phone],

[e-mail], www.georgfischer.no

NL Georg Fischer N.V., Postbus 35-8160, 816 PA Epe, Tel. [phone],

Fax [phone], [e-mail], www.georgfischer.nl

Georg Fischer WAGA N.V., Lange Veenteweg 19, Postbus 290, 8160 AG Epe,
Tel. [phone], Fax [phone], [e-mail],
www.waga.georgfischer.com

S/FIN Georg Fischer AB, Box 113, 12523 Älvsjö-Stockholm, Tel. [phone],

Fax [phone], [e-mail], www.georgfischer.se

USA George Fischer Inc., 2882 Dow Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780-7258, Tel. [phone],

Toll Free 800/854 40 90, Fax [phone], [e-mail],
www.us.piping.georgefischer.com

Export Georg Fischer Rohrverbindungstechnik GmbH, Freibühlstrasse 18/19, 78224 Singen (Htwl.),

Tel. [phone], Fax [phone], [e-mail],
www.rvt.georgfischer.com

790 044 762_01/4 (09.03) © Georg Fischer Rohrverbindungstechnik GmbH, D-78224 Singen 2003