16 May Pipe End Prep: Commonly Asked Questions and Answers
Our customers often have common questions when planning end prep work with tube or pipe beveling tools. Erica Jackson, Product Sales Manager for H&S TOOL, has been in the portable machine tool business for over 15 years. We asked her to highlight the five most frequently asked questions she gets about pipe-end prep jobs.
Q1: Do I need separate machines for different applications (facing, counterbore, beveling)?
ERICA: With H&S TOOL, you can use the same machine for multiple applications within the same range by simply changing out the blades and ID locking system. For instance, we recently rented an H&S TOOL BG44LV BOILER GUN™ (tube beveling tool) to a customer who needed to match up IDs (counterbore) and then bevel the tubes with a 37.5° bevel. We provided the customer with two types of blades, SI 10° and S 37.5° blades. Using the BG44 BOILER GUN™, the customer completed the counterbore with the SI 10° blade. Then, they switched blades to the S 37.5° bevel blade to complete the tube bevel job, performing two applications with one machine.
“There’s nothing more satisfying than assisting our customers when they believe a job can’t be done. They send us a drawing or a picture, and before you know it, we’re sending out a machine to handle the job, and everything works flawlessly. Sometimes, we receive a thank you; sometimes, we don’t. Regardless, our company helped them overcome a seemingly impossible situation when no one else could. To me, that’s what it’s all about.” – Erica Jackson, Product Sales Manager.
Q2: How many bevels can I get out of my blades?
ERICA: The number of bevels you can achieve with one blade can vary significantly depending on the material being cut, the experience of the operator, and the size of the pipe or tube. We provide conservative estimates to our customers. For S-based blades (0.5-0.75 inches or 12.7–19 mm), we advise approximately 10 bevels per blade, and for SM-based blades, you can expect around 25 bevels per blade. Our blades are specifically designed to perform with H&S TOOL products and are manufactured right here in the USA.
Q3: What is the difference between ID-locking devices?
ERICA: The H&S TOOL BOILER GUNS™ (tube bevelers) and POWER BEVELERS (pipe bevelers) are engineered to handle a wide range of applications. Collets are ideal for smaller IDs, roughly 2.5 inches (63.5 mm), and smaller because they have more surface area to lock into the ID. On the other hand, wedge sets are suitable for larger pipes and tubes, typically exceeding 3 inches (76.2 mm) in diameter. Wedges are lighter to transport and offer greater surface area coverage, making them more effective for larger pipes and various applications.
Q4: Do you have electric or hydraulic options?
ERICA: While most of our customers’ applications require a pneumatic motor, we offer more than just air-powered machines. The majority of our machines are available with an electric option in 120 or 230 volts. Additionally, the H&S TOOL POWER BEVELER can be equipped with a hydraulic motor if needed. For added convenience, some of our machines also come with a cordless, battery-powered option.
Q5: If I buy a used machine from H&S TOOL, will I be able to get parts?
ERICA: We are known for providing exceptional service to our customers. We ensure that any part needed for any product is readily available anytime, anywhere in the world. Moreover, we stock our most commonly used parts and consumables both in the USA and at our worldwide locations so that we can ship them out immediately upon request.
Do you have additional questions about H&S TOOL pipe beveling and end prep machines? Contact us today to connect with a CLIMAX or H&S TOOL expert and find the best solution for your company.