Pipe Beveling Tools& Fabrication Machines
Rugged, Robust and Reliable Since 1954
Pipe Beveling Tools for Precise, On-Site Weld Prep
ESCO tool makes the strongest and most reliable tube and pipe beveling and fabrication equipment on the market. Superior components made from premium quality material is what sets our machines apart from the competition. Our products are built rugged from the inside out so that they can perform reliably under the harshest conditions year after year.
Types of Pipe Beveling Tools
ID Clamping Pipe Beveling Tools (MILLHOG® Series)
ID clamping bevelers mount inside the pipe and self-center.
They are ideal when you can access the pipe I.D. and want maximum stability.
Typical uses:
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Boiler tube replacement
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Power plant piping
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Process piping and manifolds
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Heat exchanger work
Key benefits:
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Rigid ID clamping for chatter-free bevels
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Precise centering for square, repeatable preps
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Wide range of tools to cover 0.5 in I.D. up to large pipe sizes
Example applications for the MILLHOG line:
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Small tube and boiler work
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General process piping
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Heavy-wall steam lines and headers
OD Clamping Pipe Beveling Tools and Split Frames (COHOG SERIES)
OD clamping tools mount on the outside diameter of the pipe. They are the right choice when you cannot access the pipe I.D. or when the pipe is lined.
Use OD clamping tools when:
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The I.D. is lined or coated
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There are obstructions inside the pipe
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You are working on large diameter pipelines in place
Split-frame cutting and beveling machines mount around the pipe. They can cut and bevel in one setup and handle large diameters with precision.
Typical uses:
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Pipeline tie-ins and repairs
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Refineries and petrochemical plants
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Heavy process lines and large headers
How to Choose the Right Pipe Beveling Tool
Step 1: Define Your Pipe and Weld Prep
Start with clear pipe data so you can match the right pipe beveling tool to the job.
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Pipe size range (I.D. and O.D.)
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Wall thickness and schedule
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Material: carbon steel, stainless, duplex, super duplex, high chrome
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Weld prep: bevel only, bevel + face, bevel + bore, compound bevel
This information drives every other decision.
Step 2: Match Material and Application
Next, choose how the pipe beveling tool will mount and what size band it must cover.
- ID clamping bevelers for most process pipe, boiler tubes, and heat exchanger work
- OD clamping tools and split-frame machines when you cannot access the I.D. or need to cut and bevel in one setup
- Confirm each tool’s minimum and maximum pipe sizes to match your project range
This is where you map jobs to specific MILLHOG® models.
Step 3: Select Drive, Cutters, and Accessories
Then, match the drive type and tooling to your worksite and materials.
Drive options
- Pneumatic for most field work
- Electric where air is limited
- Hydraulic for heavy-duty cutting and large diameter pipe
Cutters and accessories
- Blades matched to material and bevel geometry
- Correct mandrels, clamps, and rounding pads for your size range
The right drive and cutters keep the pipe beveling tool productive and extend tool life.
Step 4: Decide Whether to Rent or Own
Finally, decide how you want to deploy the equipment.
Purchase
- Best for ongoing maintenance and construction work
- Standardize pipe beveling across plants and crews
Rent
- Ideal for outages, shutdowns, and one-time projects
- Try a specific pipe beveling tool before adding it to your fleet
Need help deciding what tool is right for your job?
Reach out and one of our knowledgeable reps can help guide you to the right solution for your needs.
Explore Esco Tool Pipe Beveling and Fabrication Equipment
Esco MILLHOG pipe beveling tools cover a broad size range, from small tube to large diameter pipe. With pneumatic, electric, and hydraulic drive options, you can match each job and work site.
Below you will find our full line of MILLHOG® pipe beveling tools and related fabrication equipment. Together they cover pipe and tube from 0.5 in I.D. up to 36 in O.D., including ID clamping, OD clamping, split-frame, and high-speed options.
Industries and Applications
Chemical, Petrochemical, and Sanitary Process
Chemical and sanitary processes require clean weld preps and tight tolerances.
Applications:
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Chemical and petrochemical plants
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Food and beverage process lines
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Pharmaceutical and biotech facilities
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High-purity and sanitary stainless systems
Benefits:
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Sanitary beveling and facing tools for orbital welds
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Support for thin-wall stainless and sanitary tube
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Clean, square weld preps that support hygienic standards
Power Generation, Boiler, and Heat Exchanger Service
Esco pipe beveling tools are widely used in:
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Fossil and combined-cycle power plants
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Biomass and waste-to-energy facilities
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Boiler tube replacement and panel work
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Heat exchanger stub removal and tube sheet prep
Benefits for power and boiler work:
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Narrow-body tools that fit between boiler tubes
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Rigid clamping that keeps bevels square and chatter-free
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Tools sized for common boiler tube and header diameters
Oil and Gas Pipelines and Refineries
Pipeline and refinery projects rely on precise weld preps and reliable tools.
Typical applications:
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Transmission pipeline tie-ins
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Station piping and compressor stations
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Refinery process piping and headers
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High-pressure and high-temperature service lines
Benefits:
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Tools that handle large diameter and heavy-wall pipe
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Split-frame machines that cut and bevel in one setup
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Portable equipment built for field conditions
Need help deciding what tool is right for your job?
Reach out and one of our knowledgeable reps can help guide you to the right solution for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pipe beveling tool?
A pipe beveling tool is a machine that cuts an angled edge on the end of a pipe before welding.
It produces consistent bevels that help welders achieve proper penetration and reduce defects.
Why is pipe beveling important for welding?
Pipe beveling shapes the weld joint so the welder can access the root of the joint and control penetration.
Good bevels reduce lack-of-fusion defects, improve weld quality, and help avoid costly rework and delays.
What types of pipe beveling tools are available?
Common types include ID clamping bevelers, OD clamping bevelers, split-frame cutting and beveling machines, and high-speed bevelers for thin-wall tube.
Each type is designed for a specific range of sizes, materials, and working conditions.
When should I choose an ID clamping beveling tool?
Choose an ID clamping beveler when you have good access to the inside of the pipe and need quick bevels with precise centering. These tools are ideal for most process piping, boiler tubes, fabrication facilities, and heat exchanger applications where you need stable, chatter-free bevels.
When is an OD clamping or split-frame tool a better choice?
OD clamping and split-frame tools are better when you cannot access the pipe I.D., when the pipe is lined or coated, or when the pipe must stay in place.
They are often used for pipelines, refineries, and large process lines where cutting and beveling in one setup saves time.
What pipe sizes can Esco pipe beveling tools handle?
Esco pipe beveling tools cover a wide range from 0.5" ID to 36" OD, from small tube sizes up through large diameter pipe. The exact ranges depend on the model, and together the product family covers common boiler tube, process pipe, and pipeline sizes.
Can Esco tools handle stainless, duplex, and other alloys?
Yes. Many Esco tools are designed to handle stainless steel, duplex and super duplex, and other highly alloyed pipe materials.
With the correct cutters and settings, they pull a thick chip and produce clean bevels without damaging the pipe.
Are pipe beveling tools available for rent as well as purchase?
Yes. Esco maintains a rental fleet for customers who need tools for outages, shutdowns, or specific projects.
Renting is a good option for short-term work or when you want to try a tool before purchasing.
How long does it take to learn to operate a pipe beveling tool?
Most operators can learn to set up and use Esco beveling tools with a short amount of training and practice.
The tools are designed to be simple to operate while still providing accurate, repeatable weld preps.
What maintenance do pipe beveling tools require?
Basic maintenance includes cleaning the tool, checking clamping components, inspecting bearings and gears, and replacing cutters when they wear.
Following the maintenance guidelines helps maintain accuracy and extend tool life in harsh environments.
Can pipe beveling tools be used in tight or restricted spaces?
Yes. Several Esco tools have narrow bodies and compact gear heads that fit between boiler tubes and other tight areas.
Choosing the correct model and mandrel kit lets you bevel in tight working envelopes that grinders and larger machines cannot reach.
Do I need cutting fluids when beveling pipe?
Many Esco tools are designed to pull a thick chip and produce a clean bevel without cutting fluids.
For some materials and applications, cutting fluids may still improve tool life and surface finish, and your application specialist can advise you.
ENGINEERING THE FIRST PORTABLE PIPE & TUBE BEVELING MACHINES
The ESCO Tool Company was founded in 1954 and developed the first portable beveling machines for tube and pipe fabrication. After early success on the Trident Nuclear Submarine project, this equipment rapidly became the most popular way to bevel high pressure tube and pipe on-site.
Although earlier models clamped on the outside diameter, ESCO developed the first narrow body inside diameter clamping machines, starting in the 1970s, to satisfy the needs of the boiler industry. Seeing how high the demand was for portable fabrication tools, the "Mini" and "Wart" were born, starting the most prestigious line of beveling equipment known to the industry; MILLHOG. Since then, the drive to innovate and find on-site fabrication solutions continues to grow stronger and stronger.
ESCO tool now has a line of over 23 field-proven products that are used all over the world in power generation plants, pulp and paper plants, refineries, fabrication facilities, public work systems, and other metalworking industries. Our goal is to provide our customers with a combination of our high quality products and comprehensive customer service so that they can feel completely comfortable when it comes to their tooling needs. No matter the size or complexity of your company, we are here to make your jobs easier.
Need help deciding what tool is right for your job?
Reach out and one of our knowledgeable reps can help guide you to the right solution for your needs.