Pipe ends should be field beveled using which methods?

Pipe ends should be field beveled using machine tools or machine oxygen cutting, with manual cutting allowed only if it has been authorized. This response aligns with API 1104 standards, which emphasize that proper beveling is crucial for ensuring the quality of the weld joint.

Machine tools or machine oxygen cutting provide more precise bevels and ensure uniformity, which is vital for achieving proper penetration and fusion during the welding process. These methods help minimize human error and variability, which can influence the structural integrity of the weld.

While manual methods are an option, they can be less consistent and may not achieve the same level of quality without proper training and oversight. Therefore, limiting manual cutting to cases where it is specifically authorized safeguards against potential issues that could compromise weld quality. This is why the correct choice emphasizes using machine methods primarily while allowing manual cutting under controlled circumstances.