bevelers

Bevelers are either tools designed to produce beveled edges or professionals who perform beveling, the process of shaping an edge so it lies at an angle to the adjacent surface. A bevel is typically an edge that is neither square nor 90 degrees to the face, and beveling can serve structural, functional, or aesthetic purposes.

In woodworking, beveling creates decorative or joint-ready edges. Common methods include using a chamfer plane, a router with a chamfer bit, or a hand tool set to a specific angle. Beveled edges facilitate miter joints, reduce sharpness, and can soften the appearance of a finished piece. Bevels are often 45 degrees but may vary for design or fit.

In metalworking and fabrication, beveling prepares edges for welding or assembly. Beveling machines, grinders, or portable angle grinders with suitable discs produce precise angles such as 30, 45, or 60 degrees across plate edges. Techniques range from mechanical grinding to thermal beveling using oxy-fuel or plasma equipment. Proper beveling promotes weld penetration and reduces stress concentrations.

In glassmaking and glazing, bevelers grind and polish the edges of glass to create attractive and safer beveled edges. The process can be manual or automated in production lines and uses progressively finer abrasives and polishing wheels.

Bevelers may also work with stone, ceramic, or plastics, where beveled edges improve edge strength, seating in joints, or visual appeal. Standards for tolerances and finish quality vary by material and application, and operators typically use measurement tools to ensure consistent angles.