Bevellers

Bevellers are designed to create angled edges (bevels) on materials like plastic, composites, wood, copper and stainless steel.

Most bevelling tools can work on multiple materials, and the key to their versatility lies in the cutting inserts that are used. The operator should always check the specifications of the cutting blade to make sure it can work effectively on the material being bevelled.

Bevellers offer precision for edge finishing, reducing sharpness and preparing surfaces for welding or coating. No other tool is designed to produce uniform angles (e.g. 30°, 45°) across an entire edge, which is extremely important for welders, where consistent bevels ensure strong and reliable joints. An alternative tool to a beveller would be a grinder, but it is much harder to maintain the uniform angle that is often needed, especially when grinding edges over longer distances.

Bevellers remove material quickly and in a controlled way, often completing in one pass, whereas it might take several passes with a grinder to perform the same job to the same standard.

Using a beveller safely is essential, because it is a powerful cutting tool that removes material quickly. We recommend following these tips to keep safe - 

• Wear appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment), such as safety glasses or a face shield to protect against any flying debris. Also wear gloves and hearing protection, as well as steel toe cap boots, especially when working with heavy materials like metal.
• Secure the workpiece firmly, by clamping the material to a solid work bench to ensure it is stable before starting. Any movement during beveling can cause uneven cuts and possible tool kickback.
• Check the tool before use. Inspect cutting inserts, guards and power connections.
• Use the correct settings. Always ensure that the cutting speed and cutting depth is matched to the material, because if the tool is forced or the operator uses incorrect settings then it can lead to overheating, tool damage and even a loss of control.
• Maintain a stable grip and stance by holding the beveller firmly with both hands, whilst keeping a balanced position.
• Keep hands clear of moving parts and never place fingers near the cutting head while the tool is running.
• Allow the tool to stop fully before setting it down, otherwise the blade of the tool may acccidentally cut the operator.

Yes, bevellers are suitable for DIY tasks that require precise edge work, such as smoothing sharp edges on steel or chamfering pipes. We recommend using a cordless beveller for ease of use around the home, although it may be possible to get the job done with a grinder or a sander, which are usually more cost effective, although they won't provide the same levels of accuracy as a beveller.

Yes, many bevellers allow for adjustable angles, commonly between 15° and 60°, depending on the model, which gives the operator flexibility to achieve different bevel finishes depending on the project’s requirements. This is an important attribute for welders using a bevelling tool, where precise angles are required to ensure strong, consistent joints. There are three ways that bevellers enable the operator to adjust the angle -

1. An adjustable guide plate, that can be set by the operator and rests against the edge of the material as it is milled.
2. Interchangeable heads can sometimes be used, which lets the operator accurately select the exact head/angle that is required.
3. With a guide roller, which is a replaceable, cylindrical guiding tool that is available at different angles. This tool ensures the bevelling tool bevels at a consistent depth and angle, as it follows along the edge of the material.

Yes, bevellers are commonly used to create clean, angled edges that improve weld penetration and strength in professional welding applications. They are used because a square edge doesn’t allow the weld to fully fuse through the joint and a beveller solves this by cutting a precise angle, which forms a groove that the weld can fill effectively. This is why bevellers are used widely by welders in the metal fabrication, pipeline work, shipbuilding and structural steel sectors.

Choosing a power type for a beveller depends on the work environment, the operators frequency of use and portability needs.

Electric bevellers are able to provide consistent power, which is why they are used in workshops, where technicians can be bevelling all around the working day. However, they do need to be near a power source and the cables may get in the operators way.

Cordless bevellers are ideal for use when bevelling work is being done in the field or remotely, because they are battery powered. However, rechargeable batteries do have a limited run time, so it does mean that the operator will need to carry multiple batteries, especially if they are bevelling over longer periods of time. 

Yes they can, but only if a pipe beveller is used, which is designed for use on curved surfaces and can bevel inside diameters and outside diameters.

A standard beveller can be used on slightly curved surfaces but we would always recommend that they are only used on flat surfaces, especially when accuracy is paramount.