Quick Copper Pipe Question

[arturo7]

I'm installing air lines in my garage. This is my attempt at sweating copper. I made a few practice joints; some good, some not.

Here's the question: once I have taken a joint apart, do I need to remove all of the solder before reusing the pieces, or can I just smooth it out?

thanks

 

[larry_g]

Re: Quck Copper Pipe Question

You can just smooth it out.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Moss]

Re: Quck Copper Pipe Question

You can just smooth them out but make sure they are really clean or you'll have problems with getting a good joint. In fact in my experience cleaning the two parts well is critical to making a good joint. You can actually buy fittings like elbow's & tee's with the solder already on the part and just apply flux and heat (only pointing that out to make you more comfortable)

http://www.presolderedfittings.com/

 

[J4nss(WNY)]

Re: Quck Copper Pipe Question

Just make sure the joints are cleaned and you use a good quality clean flux. Old flux won't draw solder. I use Oatey #5. 50/50 solder flows easier than lead free too. Only get the fitting hot enough to flow the solder. if you overheat you will have problems.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Re: Quck Copper Pipe Question

Just make sure the joints are cleaned and you use a good quality clean flux. Old flux won't draw solder. I use Oatey #5. 50/50 solder flows easier than lead free too. Only get the fitting hot enough to flow the solder. if you overheat you will have problems.

Based on data from the Copper Tube Handbook, p.28, by the Copper Development Association, 50/50 solder on pipes up to 1 inch, at 100°F only has a joint strength of 200 psi. and at 150°F the strength is down to 150 psi. Not enough strength margin for an air system.

Charles

 

[arturo7]

Re: Quck Copper Pipe Question

Thanks, fellas!

 

[nehog]

Re: Quck Copper Pipe Question

Use standard plumbing (no lead) solder and you are good to 1000 PSI (about.) I am unaware of anyone having a soldered connection blow out.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Re: Quck Copper Pipe Question

It also helps to heat the "cup" of the joint until the flux runs, take the flame away & apply your solder. Lay the solder parallel to the lip on the cup. If the heat is right, the solder should just run & pull into the joint. Takes a little practice, but if I could teach 30 students (including the stumps) at Lincoln Tech to do it in one class, you should be just fine...

Tommy

 

[Angelfire]

Re: Quck Copper Pipe Question

Based on data from the Copper Tube Handbook, p.28, by the Copper Development Association, 50/50 solder on pipes up to 1 inch, at 100°F only has a joint strength of 200 psi. and at 150°F the strength is down to 150 psi. Not enough strength margin for an air system.

Charles

This! Solder is fine, providing the right type of solder is used. But I suspect most people just grab whatever they had lying around after their last plumbing repair and may very well not have the right stuff.

 

[Del Swanson]

If at all possible, use type K copper. It's thicker. By all means, have a flexible connector between your air compressor and the rigid copper on the wall.