Method and apparatus for universal shape cutting of pipes

A template comprising:

• a plurality of pins cylindrically arrayed,
• the pins have a first straight portion, an angled portion and a second straight portion wherein the first straight portions form a cylinder of a first diameter, the second straight portions form a cylinder of a second diameter, the angled portions connect the first and second straight portions,
• a pin sleeve for slideably engaging the cylindrical array of pins at the first diameter and a second pin sleeve for slideably engaging the cylindrical array of pins at the second diameter,
• a locking mechanism on the pin sleeve for locking the pins in place, such that a work piece engaging the end pins of the second diameter will form a template of a different predetermined size at the end of the pins of the first diameter, making it easy to make templates for tools to use for cutting, beveling or welding tools to follow and for other uses.

A method of forming templates for tools to use comprising:

• holding a plurality of pins in a pin sleeve attached to a cylindrical stationary sleeve which fixes the pins in a radial position around a center line such that the pins form a cylinder,
• attaching a smooth faced adjustable length flexible track to one end of the plurality of pins,
• forming a closed loop template of the smooth faced flexible track by adjusting the length of each pin relative to the adjacent pins longitudinally along the axis of the cylinder while adjusting the length of the adjustable flexible track, the track having a first fixed end and a second free end, the first fixed end being tapered to create a smooth joint as it forms the closed loop with the second free end, so as to allow for the adjustability of the length of the track, and
• locking the pins in position relative to the pin sleeve such that the template remains fixed.