How to ream pipe over 4"?

delcrossv

Ridgid reamers top out at 4". So how does one ream 6" pipe? Cone grinding wheel on a drill? Seems kinda dicey.

It's odd Ridge offers a 6" threader but no way to ream the pipe in that size. Did/does someone make a 6" reamer?

Larry Weingarten

Hi, I'm likely old-fashioned, but how about a sharp, half round file? Possibly slow, but keeps you in control.

Yours, Larry

ScottSecor

For pipe over four inch:

For steel we grind the outside. The inside we grind or use a file as suggested above.

For CPVC or PVC we use a file for the outside and the inside.

For copper we use a file for the outside and the inside, then follow up outside with sand cloth.

EDIT: I apologize, I just realized you probably only referring to steel pipe that you are preparing for treading. I assume a file might suffice. We have never threaded pipe over four inch. We always weld or purchase premade nipples on any steel pipe over four inch.

mattmia2

There's this type of tool too.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/48-22-4255

I'd probably go with a die grinder if I were doing a lot of it.

delcrossv

mattmia2 said:

There's this type of tool too.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/48-22-4255

I'd probably go with a die grinder if I were doing a lot of it.

That would take forever on iron pipe. Die grinder sounds plausible.

So, did reamers always top out at 4" ? I did see one on ebay that goes on a powerhead (?)

ScottSecor

We have and still occasionally use the Milwaukee reamer that @mattman_2 linked. It works great on copper, but I doubt is could be used on steel.

As far as reaming tools that are designed for reaming streel pipe larger than four inch, I bet there is something out there. There is no way that every five or six inch nipple we see was reamed by hand with a file. Same holds true for the hundreds of twenty one foot lengths we have purchased over the years. Perhaps they use a lathe of some sort?

WMno57

The Oster 8R can thread up to 8". It comes with its own reamer.
https://www.ostermfg.com/thread-machines/oster-8r

Standard Equipment Furnished

Motor - 7.5hp., 1200 rpm., 3 phase, 60 Hz. 230 or 460 volts. (Motors of other specifications available.)
Motor Control - REVERSING magnetic starter and push button station, with safety 120V control circuit at machine controls.
Dieheads - ONE, radial, quick-opening type, adjustable to handle all sizes in standard range.
Die Holders - ONE set to cover standard pipe range.
Dies - ONE set to cover standard pipe range - 2-1/2" to 8", HIGH SPEED STEEL (Symbol 8R).
Reamer - Swing-type.

mattmia2

I suspect there isn't a lot of field threading of stuff over 4" going on, most probably is cut with a saw or grinder that doesn't leave much of a burr and joined with other methods.

dko

Threading machines with 6"+ threading capability will have their own reamer assembly that's part of the machine. If using a geared threader attachment to a smaller threading machine like a Ridgid 300, you'd use manual methods suggested above.

Imagine holding up and ratcheting a 6" reamer..

delcrossv

WMno57 said:

The Oster 8R can thread up to 8". It comes with its own reamer.
https://www.ostermfg.com/thread-machines/oster-8r

Standard Equipment Furnished

Motor - 7.5hp., 1200 rpm., 3 phase, 60 Hz. 230 or 460 volts. (Motors of other specifications available.)
Motor Control - REVERSING magnetic starter and push button station, with safety 120V control circuit at machine controls.
Dieheads - ONE, radial, quick-opening type, adjustable to handle all sizes in standard range.
Die Holders - ONE set to cover standard pipe range.
Dies - ONE set to cover standard pipe range - 2-1/2" to 8", HIGH SPEED STEEL (Symbol 8R).
Reamer - Swing-type.

Man! I hate to try to move that to a jobsite. 😲 Maybe call lengths back to the shop?

Someone has to make a 6" portable reamer.

mattmia2

I think a welder would be much easier to move to the job. I'd imagine one would only bring that on site for something like a high rise or refinery project.

EdTheHeaterMan

delcrossv said:

WMno57 said:

The Oster 8R can thread up to 8". It comes with its own reamer.
https://www.ostermfg.com/thread-machines/oster-8r

Man! I hate to try to move that to a jobsite. 😲 Maybe call lengths back to the shop?

Someone has to make a 6" portable reamer.

Maybe this is portable enough to get to the jobsite

No threading or reaming required.

delcrossv

mattmia2 said:

I think a welder would be much easier to move to the job. I'd imagine one would only bring that on site for something like a high rise or refinery project.

Fair enough, but that still doesn't solve the initial question (except by filling or grinding). No one makes a 6' reamer that fits in , for example, a Ridgid 300?

EdTheHeaterMan

This machine has a reamer built in... it handles up to 6" pipe
https://www.wheelerrex.com/products/threading-and-grooving/pipe-threading-machines/6-inch-pipe-threading-machines/

delcrossv

dko said:

Threading machines with 6"+ threading capability will have their own reamer assembly that's part of the machine. If using a geared threader attachment to a smaller threading machine like a Ridgid 300, you'd use manual methods suggested above.

Imagine holding up and ratcheting a 6" reamer..

That's the point, they make a 6" threader, but not corresponding reamer.

delcrossv

EdTheHeaterMan said:

This machine has a reamer built in... it handles up to 6" pipe
https://www.wheelerrex.com/products/threading-and-grooving/pipe-threading-machines/6-inch-pipe-threading-machines/

Woo Hoo! Now we're cooking with gas! 2" to 6"! And it's portable! 😍
Thanks Ed.

hot_rod

These work best in a high speed die grinder, I recently bought a Milwaukee cordless die grinder., very handy.
They will work in cordless drills also, but slower

delcrossv

Still strange they'd offer a hand geared threader but not the corresponding reamer

EBEBRATT-Ed

Cut the pipe with a bandsaw. Then there is hardly a burr to remove.

Big Ed_4

A die grinder ....

ann1more

We use a hard rock cone attached to a angle grinder for any field dressing on ID of pipe over 3". Flap wheel to dress OD angle for welding in the field, cuts made with O/A torch or cutting disc.