Two handed tubing tool help

[psparr]

Hope I can get some info on questions I have on a real two handed tubing tool.
For starters, I'm pretty cheap so don't want to buy one. But secondly I like the satisfaction of making things myself.
I made one last year and it works ok, but would like something better.

My questions are: How does the "quick release" work? In the picture 12694It looks like it is only hooked to one of the vice grips? is the grip on the tubing that loose that that little spring loaded lever is enough to lift the release handle? And why the lever at all? is it easier to work the lever than simply lift the handle on the vice grip? Looks like you still need to release the other vice grip the normal way.
Last question, What is the cutter made of? Is it just sharpened steel, or a replaceable razor blade?

Thanks in advance for your replies!

[mellondome]

Not sure what you are thinking the quick release is... each vice gropnhas its own release. The handle you see at the far left is the cutter handle on this model. The blade is replaceable. Some are semi circle and others are pointed.

[psparr]

12695
This is the lever in question.

[BAP]

Thats the tubing spreader if you need to stretch the tubing to get the fittings started.

[psparr]

Got it! seemed like a fancy shape just for a handle.
Maybe one more question. How close together are the coupler nuts when it's closed, and how much spread is there?

[Chicopee Sap Shack]

If you build you own don't mess with the cutter just use clippers they work better


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[psparr]

https://youtu.be/TK4l49apn00
Worked all day on it, but don't have any fittings here at home to really try it out.

[maple flats]

The spread when together should only be the width of the fitting body, maybe 1/2", when open it should be slightly more than the overall length of a fitting, about 2.25" for the tees I use, so 2.5" would be good, or even 3". While I generally use a Hot End System, if I use a 2 handed tool the tubing usually sticks out the end of the clamp 1/8-1/4".

[psparr]

One last question if I may.
All my supplies are up at the cabin, under 2' of snow.
Could someone give me the length from tip to tip of a 3/16 cdl tee? Thanks.