Pipe soldering

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Pipe soldering

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Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Fri Dec 31, 04 10:28 am Post subject: Pipe soldering

Here's a little tip I learned watching a gas fitter. When soldering copper pipes a solder drip often forms at the lowest point and this looks unsightly when set.

To make a neater joint simply wipe over the joint, before the solder set, with a damp cloth. Be carful to not touch the hot pipes!

I'm not sure if this helps improve the joint at all but I would give it an 8/10 for leaving a professional neat & clean finish.

mrutty

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 1578

Posted: Fri Dec 31, 04 11:26 am Post subject:
It must be a slightly damp cloth and a fast wipe as not to cool the pipe down too quickly and cause a dry joint that could leak. Always buy pre soldered pipe joints if your not confident. Clean, flux and add solder as normal but you should end up with a much stronger joint.

jema
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 28248
Location: escaped from Swindon

Posted: Fri Dec 31, 04 11:49 am Post subject:
I generally go for the pre-soldered ones. I am sure when you do it daily they are completely unneeded, but leaks are such a pain, that a few pence extra on the joints is well spent. jema

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Fri Dec 31, 04 12:19 pm Post subject:
Strange, I tend to prefer the end feed ones now, a decent bit of flux and a good flame (I could do with a better flame) and they seem easier than solder ring to me. I also note when the fitter used solder ring fittings they also used a little extra solder on the joint. When the experts wipe the joint they hardly touch the pipe and a quick one, two and it's done.

jema
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 28248
Location: escaped from Swindon

Posted: Fri Dec 31, 04 1:12 pm Post subject:
I must confess not to having done enough joints for an informed comparison. Certainly not a side by side one. It just looks like it should be better I suppose, makes me think of convenience food analogies.... must go out and buy some Yorkshire pudding mix jema

lazzasurf
Guest

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 05 10:04 pm Post subject:
hello... well i am a gas fitter and i always wipe the solderd joint with a 1/2" brush dipped in flux. i would advise against using a damp cloth because it could cool the joint down to quick and cause thermal shock of the joint, cracking the joint between pipe and solder.

deerstalker

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 589

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 05 10:14 pm Post subject:
Register then, I'm sure we could all use advice from a gas fitter! I know I could!

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 05 10:14 pm Post subject:
Is the wiping with the brush dipped in solder done to leave a neat finish or do anything else? I can always amend the tip. (I have seen two different gas fitters use a damp cloth, must be something they do down these parts )

lazzasurf

Joined: 01 Jan 2005
Posts: 30
Location: wolverhampton

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 05 10:52 pm Post subject:
registerd..im in.... yes it is for cosmetic reasons, aswell as to be able to see the clean joint to ensure a good all round run was made.

Blacksmith

Joined: 25 Jan 2005
Posts: 5025
Location: Berkshire

Posted: Thu Feb 03, 05 8:21 am Post subject:
Just read this thread and noticed no one has mentioed the use of lead free solder for potable water, (and boss green or equivalent for compression fittings) Dave.

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