Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for preparing the ends of large diameter metal pipe, such as that employed in cross-country pipelines, for welding of two pipe sections in end-to-end relationship with each other. Apparatus is provided for performing the method under which the pipe end to be prepared is first radially expanded uniformly around the entire circumference beyond its elastic limit to a predetermined diameter. While the expanding device holds the pipe end in this expanded position, a lathe aligned and associated with the expanding device is actuated to a machine beveled surface on the pipe end.