1940_dodge
Well-known member
So I have copper 3/4" piping that I want to run along the walls in my garage. Do you all solder/"sweat" the pipes after you've mounted them to the wall itself or do you do everything on the floor then mount it?
Installing Air Lines for Compressor
- Thread starter 1940_dodge
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OccupantRJ
Well-known member
Whenever I do any piping, I like to work in subassemblies, mount them, then connect them.
Vegaman_Dan
Well-known member
Complicated piping can be loosely assembled in place to determine the pieces needed and angles, then sweated on the workbench or floor where you can rotate the piece around fully. Then attach that to your longer runs up on the wall.
I need to build an air dryer setup soon and plan to mount it all to a piece of plywood so I can fab it up easier on saw horses and then just mount to the wall later. If I need to move it, it will be a lot easier to so as an assembly.
I need to build an air dryer setup soon and plan to mount it all to a piece of plywood so I can fab it up easier on saw horses and then just mount to the wall later. If I need to move it, it will be a lot easier to so as an assembly.
OP
1940_dodge
Well-known member
That's my concern, at some point in time I'm going to have to solder something while its on the wall. If that happens, how can I know if the solder has made it all around the pipe adequately?
Cyberbear
Well-known member
It seems that you are asking about something plumbers do frequently when they run copper tubing (pipe).
I've become adept at assembling and soldering as I work, as that allows me to assemble and build as I move along. I believe that assembling large portions away from their intended location and later putting all the sections together is more work and time consuming.
I simply cut, deburr and then clean and flux as I go, followed by soldering as needed. I use a piece of sheet metal between the joint and a wall if I'm too close to avoid scorching. There is always several ways to do things, whatever you are most comfortable with. Perhaps talk with a few plumbers for tips.
I've become adept at assembling and soldering as I work, as that allows me to assemble and build as I move along. I believe that assembling large portions away from their intended location and later putting all the sections together is more work and time consuming.
I simply cut, deburr and then clean and flux as I go, followed by soldering as needed. I use a piece of sheet metal between the joint and a wall if I'm too close to avoid scorching. There is always several ways to do things, whatever you are most comfortable with. Perhaps talk with a few plumbers for tips.
Vegaman_Dan
Well-known member
Sweating copper pipe is easy. Cut the pipe to length, use emery cloth to clean the ends and fittings of any oxidation for a nice shiny finish, apply flux, assemble, heat with your torch until solder starts to melt when you touch the surface. Once it does, touch it at a couple of points on the joint and it will be wicked right into the joint giving you a nice silver ring. Adding any more solder at that point will only dribble at the bottom and make a mess. It takes very little to do the job.
I recommend looking at videos on it. You'll get the idea quickly enough. Might be worth practicing on scrap first.
I recommend looking at videos on it. You'll get the idea quickly enough. Might be worth practicing on scrap first.
VegaMan . . . that English bloke had a bit of accent to his YouTube on sweating copper !! 
Ran across this English YT that says they allow NO FLAME soldering of copper pipes as well . . . . never heard of that in USA. Called Kalimex - - - Just For Copper - - says it's WRAS approved (English plumbing standard - - conforms to B56920??)
This glue product available here in USA and anyone use it ??
Ran across this English YT that says they allow NO FLAME soldering of copper pipes as well . . . . never heard of that in USA. Called Kalimex - - - Just For Copper - - says it's WRAS approved (English plumbing standard - - conforms to B56920??)
This glue product available here in USA and anyone use it ??