Chamfering PVC

fishstix · Nov 20, 2018

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 · Nov 20, 2018

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 · Nov 20, 2018

I've now plumbed several systems and never chamfered anything. Curious to see if anyone responds saying they do.

cromag27 · Nov 20, 2018

fishstix said:
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 · Nov 20, 2018

cromag27 said:
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

Even Further · Nov 20, 2018

I always do. I use a bench grinder, and a quick sand paper to clean it up.

txrdnk · Nov 20, 2018

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 · Nov 20, 2018

I just give the glue a moment to soften the PVC, takes just a few seconds and it becomes goo anyway.

Dual40IM · Nov 20, 2018

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 · Nov 20, 2018

This is the tool I use. Similar to the one posted above. Kinda like using a pencil sharpener. It does ½", 3/4" & 1".

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

legionofdoon · Nov 20, 2018

I chamfered mine with the glass hole saw after I drilled my tank.

fishstix · Nov 20, 2018

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 · Nov 20, 2018

Never chamfered anything; though I put solvent on the pipe not inside the fitting so no squeegee chez moi.

legionofdoon · Nov 20, 2018

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 · Nov 20, 2018

Extra union that is, and make sure the gaskets are present when you buy them!

maroun.c · Nov 20, 2018

I never did and never had any issues. Might do it in the future after seeing how much emphasis there is on it.

legionofdoon · Nov 21, 2018

maroun.c said:
I never did and never had any issues. Might do it in the future after seeing how much emphasis there is on it.

I only did it because of YouTube LoL.

cromag27 · Nov 21, 2018

maroun.c said:
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 · Nov 21, 2018

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