Cumminsguy
Bevelers are just an indispencable neccessity IMO. They were probably the reason I got into the trade. First helpers job on an offshore rig out of Bayou Vista LA in 1978, didn't have a clue what a welders helper was let alone what a pipe welder was, workin with the Two Pros from Dover [great guys] and saw them fire that torch up on the Mathey, that was it.. the ingenuity of the damn thing....and watching a 5p+ root being done for the first time, having it explained to me... was all it took, I was hooked and gonna have to learn this stuff. Was a while ago and the Mathey is like an extension of my hand now and I still get that warm buzz strappin it on the first cut of a job. Must be true love.
Another tool you might want to consider acquiring: a Sumner Ultra Clamp. They come in two sizes, 2-6 and 8-12. About a buck eighty for the smaller one but you will never, and brother I mean ever look back with regret. That tool will increase your fitting production a minimum of 20% right out of the box, eliminate forever any headache or frustration of a shaky helper offsetting your fitting to a misalignment when you tack [uhhhh...but I got a spark on me, that's why it moved.] And provide a level of precision with all the ease of your favorite Barcolounger. For rolled fittings, you can not beat it. Using it alone makes you a Three Armed Wonder whether you're working on the jacks or in the racks and will pay for itself in a day or two. If I had any sized job calling out 8-12" pipe I wouldn't hesitate a second to spend the $3-400 for the big one either. Those tools are a must have for me. Hands down, beat any other pipe fitting clamp on the market. Really, check them out and give it some serious consideration, they will make you a happier man.
And yeah, I love pulling the bevelers and clamps out on a job when I'm subbing to a couple of the mechanical contractors I do some work for. Their guys, the owners when they walk by, yard hands that ain't never seen em before just stop and stare with admiration at the cleverness, novelty and efficiency of the things and it boosts your stock. When I see guys hand cutting and beveling pipe with grinders and breaking tacks off to re-fit I feel like I should just leave them some money on the dashboard of their trucks in a Hallmark Sympathy card. Check em out bro.