The SPITFIRE™ Clamshell Lathe is a split-frame lathe for severing and beveling inline pipe with frame sizes from 6” through 72” nominal diameter. When schedules are tight and downtime isn’t an option, every minute spent moving, measuring, and adjusting equipment adds unnecessary risk. The Spitfire was designed to eliminate those obstacles so crews can focus on the work — not the tool.
GET TO WORK FASTER
- 25% lighter (models 24" and larger) for easier transport and positioning
- No measuring required to center on pipe
- Infinitely adjustable tool module auto-aligns with trippers
- Setup with a single wrench – no complex tools required
RESULT: Spend less time setting up and more time getting work done.
STAY AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
- Cuts an average of 38% faster than leading competitor
- Onyx tooling clears chips faster for improved efficiency
- Fine-feed tripper control (.002” per revolution) optimizes cut rate
RESULT: Keep projects moving without compromising quality
WORK WITH CONFIDENCE
- Low-profile trippers reduce pinch points
- Crash-proof feed system prevents damage
- Always-aligned tool module eliminates setup errors
RESULT: Give operators the confidence to perform at their best in demanding environments.
Quicklinks:
Machine Package
Technical Specifications
Documents
Toolbits
Rental/Buy Now
Optional Accessories
Request a demo
| Pipe-Size Range Per Model |
| Pipe Size Range |
Model |
2.00-6.00
(50.8-152.4) |
Not Available |
SPITFIRE 6 |
2.00-8.00
(101.6-203.2) |
Not Available |
SPITFIRE 8 |
4.00-10.00
(152.4-254.0) |
Not Available |
SPITFIRE 10 |
6.00-12.00
(152.4-304.8) |
Not Available |
SPITFIRE 12 |
8.00-14.00
(203.2-355.6) |
Not Available |
SPITFIRE 14 |
10.00-16.00
(254.0-406.4) |
Not Available |
SPITFIRE 16 |
12.00-18.00
(304.8-457.2) |
Not Available |
SPITFIRE 18 |
16.00-20.00
(406.4-508.0) |
14.00-20.00
(355.6-508.0) |
SPITFIRE 20 |
20.00-24.00
(508.0-609.6) |
18.00-24.00
(457.2-609.6) |
SPITFIRE 24 |
26.00-28.00
(660.4-711.2) |
22.00-28.00
(558.8-711.2) |
SPITFIRE 28 |
30.00-32.00
(762.0-812.8) |
26.00-32.00
(660.4-812.8) |
SPITFIRE 32 |
34.00-36.00
(863.6-914.4) |
30.00-36.00
(762.0-914.4) |
SPITFIRE 36 |
40.00-42.00
(1016.0-1066.8) |
36.00-42.00
(914.4-1066.8) |
SPITFIRE 42 |
46.00-48.00
(1168.4-1219.2) |
42.00-48.00
(1066.8-1219.2) |
SPITFIRE 48 |
52.00-54.00
(1320.8-1371.6) |
48.00-54.00
(1219.2-1371.6) |
SPITFIRE 54 |
58.00-60.00
(1473.2-1524.0) |
54.00-60.00
(1371.6-1524.0) |
SPITFIRE 60 |
64.00-66.00
(1625.6-1676.4) |
60.00-66.00
(1524.0-1676.4) |
SPITFIRE 66 |
70.00-72.00
(1778.0-1828.8) |
66.00-72.00
(1676.4-1828.8) |
SPITFIRE 72 |
*See Technical Specifications and Operator's Manual for more information.
Machine Package Includes:
- Model Spitfire sub assembly
- Drive housing and cover
- Tripper Assembly
- Motor Assembly
- Wrench Kit
- Operators Manual
| Technical Specifications |
| Property |
Inches |
Metric |
| OD Mounting: |
2.00" - 72.00" |
(50.8 mm - 1,828.8 mm) |
| Wall Thickness: |
**2.00" |
(50.8 mm) |
| Feed Rate: (Per Revolution) |
.0036" |
(.09 mm) |
Weight:
Machine |
5 lbs. - 333 lbs. |
(2.26 kg - 151.04 kg) |
Machine Width:
Cutline to Machine Back |
5.51" |
|
Minimum Air Power requirement:
Single Motor
Dual Motor |
90 psi (6.2 bar)
|
99 CFM (2800 NI/min)
|
| Minimum Electric Power requirement: |
115 VAC 20A |
|
| Minimum Hydraulic Power Requirement: |
208, 240, 480 VAC 3 gpm |
(.19 L/s - 15 gpm
(.94 L/s @ 1000 PSI (6895 kPa) |
| |
|
|
*With optional accessory included
**For larger wall thickness, contact Tri Tool Inc. for heavier wall procedures
***For tube sizes, contact Tri Tool Inc.
Operating Manual - Spitfire
Technical Specification - Spitfire Pneumatic, Electric, Hydraulic, Servo
Lower Your Cost Per Cut With Onyx® Insert Tooling
Fewer tool changes with longer tool life and more uptime.
- Faster cutting with advanced design
- Increased durability with enhanced coating
- Dual-edged inserts extend tool life and reduce cost
- Compound bevel capability with a single cutter
| ONYX™ Tooling Options |
| Inside Straight Bevel |
37° |
|
| Outside Straight Bevel |
37° |
|
| Inside Compound Bevel |
37/10° |
|
| Outside Compound Bevel |
37/10° |
|
| Inside Straight Bevel |
30° |
|
| Outside Straight Bevel |
30° |
|
| Inside Compound Bevel |
30/10° |
|
| Outside Compound Bevel |
30/10° |
|
| Optional Accessories |
| Property |
Inches |
Use Case |
| SPITFIRE CBM Counterbore Module Kits |
3", 6" |
Counterboring, Inside Beveling |
| SPITFIRE ODTM OD Tracking Module Kits |
|
Cutting, Beveling, |
| SPITFIRE TTM Single Point Template Tracer Module |
|
Thick Wall, Weld Prep |
Options Include:
- Pipe sizes from 6" to 72"
- Motor options
- Pneumatic (3.2hp or 4 hp)
- Electric (120v or 240v)
- Hydraulic
- Servo
- Standard and extended tool modules
- Optional accessories such as:
- Counterbore module
- Single-point template tracer module Coming soon!
- O.D. tracking module Coming soon!
SPITFIRE™ Clamshell FAQ
Size and Fit
The Spitfire line spans standard ring sizes from 6" (for 2"-6" pipe) to 72" (for 66"-72" pipe). Each ring machines its on-size pipe plus a range of smaller diameters, set by the tool module you choose.
Start with your pipe's outside diameter (OD) and pick the ring size that matches or sits just above it. Then choose a standard or extended tool module:
- Standard gives the lowest rotating clearance on-size, the best choice when radial space is tight. It covers a 6" size range on rings 18" and below, 4" on 20" and 24" rings, and 2" on rings 28" and above.
- Extended reaches smaller pipe sizes and handles thicker walls, covering a full 6" size range on rings 20" and larger. The trade-off is added weight and a larger rotating envelope on-size.
Your Tri Tool Technologies representative can help you confirm the right ring and module for your application.
Wall thickness capacity depends on the operation, motor, pipe material and tooling. A sever-only cut puts far less load on the machine than a simultaneous double bevel and sever. As a general guide, expect high performance with standard tooling on carbon steel pipe up to 1.5" wall. Special operating procedures and tooling can increase that capacity, so talk with your Tri Tool Technologies representative about your application.
Standard tooling covers most carbon and stainless-steel work. The Spitfire also machines mild steel, low-alloy steel, chrome-moly, heavy-wall tube and aluminum. For materials outside that range, Tri Tool Technologies offers engineered, application-specific tooling.
Two clearances matter. Radial clearance is the space around the pipe for the machine's rotating envelope, which depends on ring size, tool module and pipe size. Axial clearance is the room past the pipe end for the tooling and motor. The Spitfire is designed as a low-clearance machine, and a right-angle air motor is available when space behind the pipe end is tight. The operation manual lists exact clearances for every ring, tool module and pipe-size combination.
Configuration
The Spitfire runs on pneumatic, electric or hydraulic power. Every motor mounts with a toolless latch, so you can swap power sources in the field.
- Electric (120V or 240V): The most convenient option, running off a standard outlet. Best for lighter-duty, thinner-wall work, with gear-selectable speeds.
- 3.2 HP air motor: The general-purpose workhorse wherever shop air or a compressor is available.
- 3.2 HP right-angle air motor: For jobs with tight axial clearance behind the pipe end.
- 4 HP air motor: Step up for heavier cuts.
- Hydraulic: Maximum power and speed range for the most demanding thick-wall jobs. Requires a paired hydraulic power unit (HPU) such as the Tri Tool 765RVC2.
Yes. With a sever blade and a bevel tool mounted together, the sever blade leads the bevel tool so both cut as the machine rotates. You get a weld-ready bevel as the cut completes, with no separate beveling step. On 18" Schedule 60 carbon steel pipe, a simultaneous sever and bevel takes under 16 minutes with standard sever and Onyx™ tooling.
Yes. The Spitfire counterbore module (CBM) mounts directly to the tool holder, so you can counterbore after a sever without repositioning the machine. It adjusts from 0° to 30°, with detents for straight counterbores and common 3:1 and 4:1 tapered transitions. Feed it by hand or attach the counterweight for hands-free auto-feed. The CBM is available now in 3" (CBM3) and 6" (CBM6) lengths.
The Spitfire uses two tooling families:
- Sever blades: 1/4" blades that run as a matched inside/outside pair to part the pipe.
- Onyx bevel inserts: Tri Tool Technologies' new insert-style bevel tooling. Double-sided inserts carry two cutting edges each, so when one dulls you flip it and keep cutting. That means lower tooling cost, faster edge changes and simpler inventory. Single bevels are available in 30° and 37.5°, and compound bevels in 30°/10° and 37.5°/10°.
Existing Tri Tool Technologies tooling can also be used. Tooling is sold separately.
Buying
A standard Spitfire clamshell kit arrives ready-to-run. It includes the ring assembly, two tool modules, a drive motor, extension pads, a wrench kit, two sever-blade spacers and the operation manual. Sizes 6" through 18" ship in a rolling case, and sizes 20" through 72" ship in a shipping container for transport and storage. Tooling is sold separately.
The Spitfire 6, 10, 14, 18 and 24 are available with a lead time of no more than 45 days. Additional sizes are coming soon. Contact Tri Tool Technologies for current availability.
Spitfire products carry a three-year limited warranty from the date of shipment, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. The warranty does not cover tool bits and other consumables, normal wear, or damage from misuse or unauthorized repair.Warranty service is handled through a Return Material Authorization (RMA).
Contact Tri Tool Technologies for a quote and configuration help. Have your pipe OD, wall thickness, material and available power source ready, and we'll recommend the right ring size, tool modules, motor and tooling for your job.