another pickup tube question

[Catt22]

LOL at the torch thing. There will be residual gas pressure in the torch neck remaining after you close the valve and it sometimes takes a minute or so to wind down. Perfectly normal. The union (if you used an actual union) will allow you to rotate the elbow on the end to the proper position before you tighten the union completely. No need to over tighten the union nut. Good and snug is enough and this makes it easier to take apart. Yes, you can always shorten the pickup tube if need be. Hell, now that you know how to sweat the fittings, you can easily make whatever you want. If you don't like the way this one works, make another one that does. Might as well start shopping for a nice tool chest next. You've been hooked.

 

[Donner]

i don't think i used an actual union for the connection to the kettle. The part that attaches is threaded on one end (obviously) and then the other end was small enough to accept an elbow. The other end of the elbow was narrow and i attached a union (that is what the box said) that would normally be used to attach two pipes together (i assume).

I'm sure it will work and i can probably always monkey with the weldless fitting if need to to get it lined up. As someone else pointed out, though. If it isn't directly down then the distance to the bottom of the kettle might work better. Course, now that i know how to sweat fittings, i can always heat it up, pull it apart and start over it need be.

 

[Catt22]

I'm not quite sure what fittings you have there, but sounds like it will work. I think you may have a standard coupling and not a union. Unions are a three piece fitting with a large nut in the center that will pull two pipe sections together when tightened. You can see one in my pics earlier in the thread. It is sometimes difficult to take sweat fittings apart once joined. It can be done, but sometimes not worth the effort. You will need some channel locks or large pliers and maybe both to hold and twist the fittings while hot.