Product Overview
KASI supplies clamshells and split frames, also known as clamshell pipe cutters, for rent and sale across Canada and Alberta. These portable machining tools provide fast, accurate, and dependable cutting and beveling of in-line tubes and pipes, making them ideal for pipeline projects and field machining applications.
Clamshell split frames are designed to cover a specific range of pipe diameters. For example, a 16″ clamshell will mount down to a 10″ OD pipe, ensuring precise machining when sized close to the pipe OD.
The clamshell operates like a rotary lathe:
Two cutting bits rotate around the OD of the pipe, progressively feeding inward with each pass.
This allows for cutting and beveling in a single operation under many circumstances.
Capabilities include square cutting, compound beveling, and counterboring finishes.
The USS portable lathe series combines the compact clearance of LC clamshells with added rigidity for handling larger pipes (10″ to 36″ OD). These machines are built to never flex or bend, delivering consistent performance and accurate machining every time.
Applications include pipeline cutting, weld preparation, beveling, and on-site machining, where portability and precision are critical.
| Nominal Pipe Size (in.) | Schedule No. | Wall Thickness (in.) | Inside Diameter (in.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (6.625) | 5S | 0.109 | 6.407 |
| 6 (6.625) | 10S | 0.134 | 6.357 |
| 6 (6.625) | 40ST, 40S | 0.280 | 6.065 |
| 6 (6.625) | 80XS, 80S | 0.432 | 5.761 |
| 6 (6.625) | 120 | 0.562 | 5.501 |
| 6 (6.625) | 160 | 0.719 | 5.187 |
| 6 (6.625) | XX | 0.864 | 4.897 |
| 8 (8.625) | 5S | 0.109 | 8.407 |
| 8 (8.625) | 10S | 0.148 | 8.329 |
| 8 (8.625) | 20 | 0.250 | 8.125 |
| 8 (8.625) | 30 | 0.277 | 8.071 |
| 8 (8.625) | 40ST, 40S | 0.322 | 7.981 |
| 8 (8.625) | 60 | 0.406 | 7.813 |
| 8 (8.625) | 80XS, 80S | 0.500 | 7.625 |
| 8 (8.625) | 100 | 0.594 | 7.437 |
| 8 (8.625) | 120 | 0.719 | 7.187 |
| 8 (8.625) | 140 | 0.812 | 7.001 |
| 8 (8.625) | XX | 0.875 | 6.875 |
| 8 (8.625) | 160 | 0.906 | 6.813 |
| 10 (10.750) | 5S | 0.134 | 10.482 |
| 10 (10.750) | 10S | 0.165 | 10.420 |
| 10 (10.750) | 20 | 0.250 | 10.250 |
| 10 (10.750) | 30 | 0.307 | 10.136 |
| 10 (10.750) | 40ST, 40S | 0.365 | 10.020 |
| 10 (10.750) | 60XS, 80S | 0.500 | 9.750 |
| 10 (10.750) | 80 | 0.594 | 9.562 |
| 10 (10.750) | 100 | 0.719 | 9.312 |
| 10 (10.750) | 120 | 0.844 | 9.062 |
| 10 (10.750) | 140, XX | 1.000 | 8.750 |
| 10 (10.750) | 160 | 1.125 | 8.500 |
| 12 (12.750) | 5S | 0.156 | 12.438 |
| 12 (12.750) | 10S | 0.180 | 12.390 |
| 12 (12.750) | 20 | 0.250 | 12.250 |
| 12 (12.750) | 30 | 0.330 | 12.090 |
| 12 (12.750) | ST, 40S | 0.375 | 12.000 |
| 12 (12.750) | 40 | 0.406 | 11.938 |
| 12 (12.750) | XS, 80S | 0.500 | 11.750 |
| 12 (12.750) | 60 | 0.562 | 11.626 |
| 12 (12.750) | 80 | 0.688 | 11.374 |
| 12 (12.750) | 100 | 0.844 | 11.062 |
| 12 (12.750) | 120, XX | 1.000 | 10.750 |
| 12 (12.750) | 140 | 1.125 | 10.500 |
| 12 (12.750) | 160 | 1.312 | 10.126 |
Product brochure
What is a clamshell pipe cutter?
A clamshell, or split frame, is a portable machining tool that clamps around a pipe to perform cutting, beveling, and counterboring with high precision.
What pipe sizes can clamshells handle?
Clamshells are designed to fit specific ranges. For example, a 16″ clamshell fits pipes down to 10″ OD, with overall capacities ranging from small-diameter tubing to large industrial pipes.
What operations can a split frame perform?
They can perform square cutting, beveling (including compound bevels), and counterboring, often in a single operation.
What makes clamshells better than torch cutting?
Unlike torching or hand grinding, clamshells provide accurate, repeatable, and safer machining, reducing heat-affected zones and ensuring cleaner weld prep.
Can clamshells / split frames be rented as well as purchased?
Yes. KASI offers clamshells for both rent and sale, with fast delivery and support across Canada and Alberta.
