James wrote:
On 2012-07-04 12:16:52 +0000, Tim said:

Nightjar wrote:

You can tell how much heat treatment cast iron has had by changes in its
magnetic properties, so don't expect it to react like mild steel. Thick
layers of paint also reduce the grip of most magnets. I suggest a
*much* stronger magnet.

Colin Bignell

Predictably enough, the "much stronger magnet" that I remember salvaging
from something a couple of years ago has completely disappeared.

I think TNPs right though. Looks like a clay pipe to me. Scraping a
bit of
paint off would be a good start.

Good idea. This is what it looks like under the paint:

http://tinypic.com/r/1986qh/6

It's not cold to the touch. I'm beginning to suspect that Tim and TNP
are right.

If it's clay, how practical is it to cut without damage? Chain-style
pipe cutter?


well a diamond wheel would probably do it.

I used a very non H & S compliant way to cut my pipe: I mounted a
cutting wheel on a bolt and stuck it in a drill chuck and worked away
from inside.

Failing that, is the outside joint likely to come apart?


If its clay you can bust it with a hammer and remove it from wherever.

I'd save that as a Plan B if you break it trying to cut it.




--
To people who know nothing, anything is possible.
To people who know too much, it is a sad fact
that they know how little is really possible -
and how hard it is to achieve it.