I totally agree with obakemono. In spite of what some sites say, I definitely agree with NOT using a tubing cutter, especially if you are using stainless steel lines.
I am restoring a car into a very customized status and used ss lines throughout. Because of the customized condition it was not possible to purchase ready-formed lines for everything and I was forced to hand form and flare specific lines with each flare being a double flare.
I found that cutting the lines with a tubing cutter consistently resulted in splitting of the inner flare. I initially thought it was either my tools or procedure so I purchased other flaring tools and did more reading and practicing, still with same results. I finally tried cutting the lines with a hacksaw and filing the ends smooth with a fine file and I began having success with no cracks in the inner flaring.
For me, I found this site's instructions to be the best for flaring lines. I found this in my initial search for instructions but disregarded it as I just could not believe in anything but using a tubing cutter.
http://inlinetube.com/install%20instruc ... g%2045.htm
I did not try cutting line with a fiber wheel as recommended on the site although I believe it would be superior to even a hacksaw. If for nothing else it would require less filing to clean up the end of the line after being cut. As to who why I didn't, if you were to ask my wife she would tell you that along with being stubborn, I am a slow learner
. Along with practice, practice and more practice before you work on your lines, I also highly recommend using a good quality magnifying glass to inspect your flares after they are completed. You will be amazed at what looks fine with the naked eye - or even with reading/bifocal glasses - but in reality has fine cracks which will cause the flare to fail.I realize there are as many ways to accomplish a task as there are companies and individuals out there offering their advice. I also realize someone who has more experience in forming flares on lines could probably accomplish what I ws not able to do. Cutting the lines with a hacksaw and filing the ends smooth before flaring was what worked for me.
Fred