Any tips for putting beveled edges on pipe?

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I wanted to try welding some 6" pipe tonight so I found a piece of well casing. Cut it with the O/A torch which did'nt come out so good. The ends of the pipe where I cut it looked like the rocky mountains. Then I tried to smooth em out with the angle grinder. Not posting a pic of my attempts because they looked that bad.     Was wondering if anyone knew any good tips for someone to put a beveled edge on a pipe at home or is this something i would NEED the right equipment for.  Thanks!Eastwood TIG 200NAPA 83-315 MIG
Reply:I use a plasma cutter and or torch tip that rated for the thickness I want to "cut" (not sever). Remember, a plasma "cut" is smooth and relatively clean and free from dross. A "sever" is an "ugly cut" with thicker and more pronounced dross.  If you're using a Oxy fuel torch with a tip that's only rated for 1/4" cut for instance, making an angled cut in the steel is no longer 1/4".  The angle makes the "cut" thicker than 1/4".  You need a bigger torch tip.  Perhaps a bigger torch/regulator set-up too, depending on what equipment you have.  I have no way of knowing what type of torch set up you're using.Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:Use a wrap around draw a straight line cut pipe square then use your torch to bevel from the inside land of the pipe outwards, that way you keep your cut square
Reply:2x angle grinders, one with cutting disc one with grinding stone , and 1 gram of patience.--------------------------------------------------------------www.becmotors.nlyup, I quit welding.. joined welder anonymous
Reply:I have a Ridgid 300 power head that was given to me, I bought a 6-inch 4-jaw wood chuck, and inserted a 3/4-inch piece of all thread rod in the back of the chuck, chuck it in the power head. I can put a 37 1/2 degree bevel on 6-inch sch 80 pipe in under 2-minutes with a 9-inch grinder. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Like stated, use a wrap a round. I use a 75 degree cutting head. Makes it easier with a angled tip.  Rest your hands and arm on pipe and go around.  PRACTICE, MORE PRACTICE, and more practice.
Reply:Thanks guys your comments have been very  helpful. I'll bring it to school and try to get a better cut with the plasma.Eastwood TIG 200NAPA 83-315 MIG
Reply:There are a variety of pipe cutting and beveling attachments for oxy-fuel and plasma. Here are some field application photos showing a Hypertherm Powermax doung pipeline weld preps.....mostly a bevel with a land, although there are some "k" bevels (a three pass bevel)....this process is getting wide acceptance in the rapidly growing oil and gas pipeline industry.jim Colt Attached Images
Reply:I turn my bevels on the lathe. If the pipe is to big or awkward to fit in the lathe I will use an angle grinder.
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTI turn my bevels on the lathe. If the pipe is to big or awkward to fit in the lathe I will use an angle grinder.
Reply:Originally Posted by emeraldbisonHow do you get a near perfect edge with just an angle grinder though? I don't have access to a metal lathe.
Reply:there are 3 types of beveling machines I use.1. A Quick Set machine that turns with a hand crank and is super light weight (has adjustable mounting arms)2. A Compact machine that also turns with a hand crank but is very heavy (uses spacers)3. A band type like the first picture above it uses a transmission or crawlerall of these 3 types use the standard torch and torch tips (according to size) or plasma cutter to bevel the edgeI use Sawyermfg parts btw
Reply:I like the idea of using a "wrap around". Don't see many guys cutting with a torch anymore, except larger bore pipe or heavy wall material. When they do they use a torch cutting attachment (as shown in previous posts). My fitter usually uses a 5" Makita with "zip" disc to cut, then a grinding disc for the bevel.I've also used a Rigid 535 and grinder to prep nipples or coupons, works great.Another thought, figure out the "cut back" with a given wall size to achieve a 37.5 deg bevel. Mark this point with a "wrap around" then grind back to that mark.
Reply:Okay, we use pipe beveling jigs; manual units are just known as 'pipe bevelers' and the air and electric units are known as 'Travel cutters' made by Wachs. Our travel cutters do from 6" to 60" pipe. NOT for the faint of wallet!!The idea of turning a piece in a lathe and using a grinder on it can also be done with a pipe cutting machine/ ie Rigid pipe cutter. It's a slower turn, but solid and you can grind a really good bevel quickly. (Covered by SFTvlv) Manual, with a pipe wrap band is by far the least expensive for a one off deal. Depending on pipe diameter, the cut tool can be grinder, porta band, or sawzall. Might want to see if Flange Wizard has a plasma attachment that does not break the bank too hard.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:grinder with flapper wheels make it fast and simple :]