Trav-L-Cutter® SD

When E.H. Wachs is mentioned, the product that often comes to mind is our famous Trav- L-Cutter (pronounced “Travel Cutter”). First introduced in 1949, this portable milling machine is designed to cut and bevel simultaneously from 6in-72in O.D. (DN150–1800) on most pipe and vessel materials and schedules (optional drive chain sections required for OD greater than 48in).

Secured by its mounting/drive chain, the Trav-L-Cutter SD drives itself around the pipe as it machines, producing a weld ready surface. Driving around the circumference of the workpiece gives the Trav-L-Cutter SD an advantage over other machine tool types – the ability to accommodate any workpiece diameter by simply adding/adjusting the mounting/drive chain length.

Now in its fourth generation, Wachs newly updated Trav-L-Cutter Super Duty, or SD, is reengineered with improved performance to make it more durable, more controllable, and more powerful. While externally identical to the previous model apart from its red top covers, it features new internals designed to make a tough machine tool even tougher.

All New Internals

All new internal components include, on the drive side, an improved feed drive mechanism with enhanced feed control, greater fluid capacity, cast in cooling fins, a heavy duty clutch mechanism, and revised chain drive sprockets. These components lower the previously unused high drive speeds in favor of better real world performance.

On the spindle cutting side,  a totally redesigned spindle gearbox offers far greater oil and cooling capacity. It uses cast in cooling fins with enlarged oil expansion chambers, finished in a heat dissipating coating. These new components, coupled with newly specified synthetic oils, greatly extend the machines duty cycle, particularly in extreme, high heat operating environments such as the desert.

Pneumatic E or Hydraulic HE Models

The Trav-L-Cutter SD is offered in Pneumatic (Model E) or Hydraulic (Model HE), and is designed to operate horizontally, vertically or anything in between. Its special milling blades, with standard weld bevel angles of 30º and 37.5º, leave the pipe ends with a fine milled finish ready for welding. The mounting/drive chain system maintains continuous out-of-round compensation while providing positive drive under all conditions for accurate cuts.

Our best selling Model E uses a powerful pneumatic drive motor, and can be powered by most industrial air compressors.The hydraulic Model HE is ideal for partial or complete water immersion and subsea applications. Hydraulic models offer the inherent advantages of a completely sealed and self-lubricating closed loop system.

The Model HE is particularly suited to field machining operations under the type of difficult environments often found on drilling rigs, pipelines, and on construction work in rivers and harbors. All models of the TLC SD come complete with all stainless steel fasteners and special finishes for enhanced corrosion protection.

Wachs Trav-L-Cutters have been used in a wide range of applications, including natural gas, crude production, power generation applications, radioactive environments, and specialized decommissioning. A full range of OEM tooling for all applications including heavy wall and high alloy materials are available.

Trav-L-Cutter SD Features:

• Accommodates 6in–72in OD (DN150–1800)
• Optional drive chain sections required for OD greater than 48in
• Simultaneous Cutting & Beveling
• Horizontal and Vertical Operation
• Preferred Cold Cutting Method
• Compact, Portable Design
• Pneumatic or Hydraulic Drive Models
• Easy to Set-Up and Operate
• Fast and Accurate Cuts