JnJ

Recipes 

Alright, I've picked up copper tubing, joints, solder, and I have a butane torch. So how do I sweet joints without making a big mess?
Ive done a lot of metal fab work (welding, cutting, etc.) but I've never sweeted copper tubing.

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Töpperwein Brewery

beerbuddy

Recipes 

Check out YouTube there are a few good videos there

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The wise does at once what the fool does at last

zoebisch01

Recipes 

Just keep in mind you have to heat the metal and the solder will flow easily when it reached the melting point. Cleanliness is IMPERATIVE and use the acid type flux. The copper surfaces need to shine and be dry. A good swipe of flux, heat, run a bead of solder, then let it cool briefly (a second or two) and without disturbing the joint, wipe with a dry cloth around in the direction of the seam.

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Event Horizon ~ A tribute to the miracle of fermentation.

Brew what you like. Do this, and you will find your inner brewer.

JnJ

Recipes 

Acid core flux? What exactly does flux do and is it a must? I'd hate to have to hit the store again.

Thanks for the replies.

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Töpperwein Brewery

Ryan_PA

Recipes 

I am no expert, but yes flux is required. It serves 2 purposes, it assures a good bond for the solder and aids in wicking in the solder into the joint. Plus the sizling of the flux lets you know when the metal is ready for the solder.

JnJ

Recipes 

Roger, guess I'll make another stop at the box store on the way home from work.

Thanks again for all the replies.

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Töpperwein Brewery

beerbuddy

Recipes 

You might want to pick up some steel wool if you don't have any works great on cleaning your connections.

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The wise does at once what the fool does at last

JnJ

Recipes 

Doing some research, I came across this http://www.acehardware.com/sm-working-with-copper-pipe--bg-1280921.html

In the instructions it says "Never use acid core solder for sweating copper pipe. ", but does not give a reason. Any idea?

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Töpperwein Brewery

boo boo

Recipes 

Clean all soldered joints with sandpaper or steel wool to get nice and shiney.
Put soldering paste/flux on all surfaces to be soldered. Heat the female side of the join after the parts are joined and apply solder when the paste melts into the join. A little solder goes a long way. Wipe the excess solder from the join while still fluid while not disturbing the join itself.

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beerbuddy

Recipes 

I know you should never use it on electrical wiring because it is corrosive. I’ve never used it before so I don't know.

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The wise does at once what the fool does at last