Years ago I discovered how to cut unreinforced, thick-walled rubber tubing of up to a couple of cm ID with glassily smooth ends. I have become curious about whether this was a discovery or a rediscovery, as many such things turn out to be.

I also found out how to insert glass tubes or rods into the ends of rubber tubes.

Would some of you with lab experience be willing or able to swap a few favourite techniques?

If you were to take a huge long tube with both ends covered over and stick one end up into space and leave the other one here, before uncovering both ends, would there be a huge vacuum effect? Assuming the tube is strong enough not to be crushed!