Chamfering PVC

fishstix

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Feb 5, 2017
Messages
367
Reaction score
58
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I plan to start plumbing my new tank this weekend, and I saw something about I should chamfer the edges of the PVC.

Do you guys all do this?
What a easy way of doing this?
I was trying to find a tool at local big box, but not sure what to look for. I think using a file to try and do it going to get old real fast with the amount of PVC I would need to do it for.

Thanks
 

Asonitez

Well-Known Member
View Badges
Joined
Mar 31, 2010
Messages
504
Reaction score
397
Location
Charlotte, NC
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I used a small sander in my last build. You can do it by hand with a sanding block and some sandpaper. It made a world of difference slip fitting the pipes after cutting them.

Here’s the video I did. Just fast forward till you see the blue pipe and sander.




Synergy reef plumbing video is also a great source on the why and how.
 

dbl

It Takes Less Energy to be Nice
View Badges
Joined
Mar 13, 2014
Messages
15,944
Reaction score
83,682
Location
SW Florida
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I've now plumbed several systems and never chamfered anything. Curious to see if anyone responds saying they do.
 

cromag27

CUSTOM ACRYLICS - octoaquatics.com - view my sig
View Badges
Joined
Sep 7, 2013
Messages
8,274
Reaction score
11,062
Location
arizona
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I plan to start plumbing my new tank this weekend, and I saw something about I should chamfer the edges of the PVC.

Do you guys all do this?
What a easy way of doing this?
I was trying to find a tool at local big box, but not sure what to look for. I think using a file to try and do it going to get old real fast with the amount of PVC I would need to do it for.

Thanks

yes, always recommended.

TIPU 1-3/8" Inner-Outer Reamer, 3/16" to 1-3/8" PVC Pipe Reamer, Burr Remover for PVC Tubing, Tubing Chamfer Tool, PVC Pipe Deburring Tool, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073SV9ZND/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Zkj9BbBHNTT23
 

txrdnk

New Member
View Badges
Joined
Jun 15, 2018
Messages
24
Reaction score
26
Location
Orlando, Fl.
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
sorry, computer is smarter than i am.
what i wanted to say is a round over bit in a router works also. obviously for larger pipes
 

T-5unsystem

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Sep 28, 2018
Messages
85
Reaction score
36
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I just give the glue a moment to soften the PVC, takes just a few seconds and it becomes goo anyway.
 

Dual40IM

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Apr 28, 2016
Messages
225
Reaction score
264
Location
Central Florida
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
The problem without chamfering is the raised part where it was cut acts like a squeegee and pushed all of the glue up into the fitting thus resulting in not much glue melting the fitting to the pipe. It may never be an issue but is the extra 10-15 minutes total to knock the burr/flare off the end really all that bad versus having your tank empty onto the floor? Just my thoughts, better safe than sorry. If you use the ratcheting cutter it is the worst for flaring the end. If you have a miter saw they work great, nice clean straight cut.
 

Fin

Professional Procrastinator
View Badges
Joined
Sep 28, 2013
Messages
7,859
Reaction score
39,016
Location
Lake Charles LA
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
This is the tool I use. Similar to the one posted above. Kinda like using a pencil sharpener. It does ½", 3/4" & 1".

Beveling Tool-sm.jpg


This is what it does to the edge of the pipe. This is a piece of 1/2"

00-Chamfer.jpg
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
F

fishstix

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Feb 5, 2017
Messages
367
Reaction score
58
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Thanks everyone for the advise. SO I will be doing it for sure, it just finding a tool local with the holiday, I would rather not wait until next week for something to ship.
 

ca1ore

10K Club member
View Badges
Joined
Oct 28, 2014
Messages
14,193
Reaction score
19,712
Location
Stamford, CT
Rating - 100%
2   0   0
Never chamfered anything; though I put solvent on the pipe not inside the fitting so no squeegee chez moi.
 

legionofdoon

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
Sep 29, 2017
Messages
1,366
Reaction score
1,010
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
When you use the solvent you will be shocked at how much it softens the PVC, it literally looks like it's melting. Also you really don't need a tool you can use a file or a diamond hole saw to shape the edge. I already had files and I tried them first but it was slow going, then I figured if a diamond hole saw is basically a file why not try that. It was pretty much used up after three holes for glass but it was still abrasive enough for PVC and it worked quickly and I didn't need to buy something I'd probably not need again. If you are hard plumping and using unions get an extra one just in case.
 

legionofdoon

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
Sep 29, 2017
Messages
1,366
Reaction score
1,010
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Extra union that is, and make sure the gaskets are present when you buy them!
 

maroun.c

Moderator
View Badges
Joined
Feb 13, 2011
Messages
4,647
Reaction score
7,234
Location
Lebanon
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I never did and never had any issues. Might do it in the future after seeing how much emphasis there is on it.
 

cromag27

CUSTOM ACRYLICS - octoaquatics.com - view my sig
View Badges
Joined
Sep 7, 2013
Messages
8,274
Reaction score
11,062
Location
arizona
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I never did and never had any issues. Might do it in the future after seeing how much emphasis there is on it.

it is the proper way to do it. it can make a big difference, especially if the rim is all chewed up from cutting.
 

JoshH

Tank Status: Wet...ish, growing things....
View Badges
Joined
Dec 3, 2016
Messages
10,004
Reaction score
32,592
Location
Humble
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I used my dremel with a sanding disk on It, super fast and no need to sand afterwards:) might pick up one of the tools posted above just to see how well they work.

FWIW I didn't really do it based on what others have or haven't done, at the time it seemed like the best way to do it lol
 

TOP 10 Trending Threads

HOW DO YOU ADJUST YOUR CUC AS ALGAE DISAPPEARS?

  • Capture and re-home CUC

    Votes: 7 6.7%
  • Increase white light/hours in tank to spur algae growth to feed CUC

    Votes: 6 5.8%
  • Feed nori to support CUC

    Votes: 35 33.7%
  • Feed herbivore pellets to support CUC

    Votes: 36 34.6%
  • Allow attrition to balance CUC and algae

    Votes: 45 43.3%
  • Provide macro algae to feed CUC

    Votes: 6 5.8%
  • Introduce CUC predators

    Votes: 1 1.0%
  • Other (please explain)

    Votes: 11 10.6%
Back
Top