Also, does lead-free solder behave differently?
I tried all this with 50/50 since it is cheaper, and thing I soldered before was for backyard needs, and I don't care about lead there.
How can I improve my copper solder joints?
Luke Phillips
Aaron Peterson
the problem most people have is that they think soldering is like welding. most people try to lay a bead of flux like they are using a welder. The trick to soldering is understanding that you want the solder to be between the pipe and fitting.
1) prep the pipe well using emery cloth / wire brush. both the interior and exterior. apply flux to all parts adequately.
2) Heat the pipe and joint up to the point where the solder will turn to a liquid upon immediate contact. a good indicator is usually when the flux begins to lightly bubble.
3) hold the flame on the joint so that when the solder is applied to the pipe, capillary action immediately wicks the solder in between the pipe + fitting.
this is the secret to getting a good clean looking solder with minimal visible solder. on something like a 1/2 copper pipe you should only need 2-3 quick dabs of solder - too much can lead to other issues (e.g. a blockage in the line).
Brandon Myers
Same here, this site felt normal for a few minutes. Nice reminder that a lot of anons on here are high functioning members of society who switch it on/off
Levi Ross
maybe you should try a more suitable trade:
librarian
hairdresser
etc.
Carter Hall
Well, am a mechanic and pretty noob regarding welding and soldering.
But as other anons pointed out, your main focus should be to treat melted metal as a kind of glue. Or at the very least this is what the crazy asshole that taught me told me.
You see, when you heat any metal to some point it becomes molten metal. This last just a fraction of second. You should aim to use that molten metal to do your work. Welding/soldering is a very precise job. Same goes for mechanics.
A single milimeter can literally fuck a piece.
Austin Gomez
Don’t use too much heat, just after the flux starts bubbling your joint will accept solder
Daniel James
Also, I find that an oxy fuel rig with a brazing tip works a lot better than MAPP gas. It's cleaner burning, and allows for more precise heating. Beyond that it's all technique that comes with patience and practice.
Eli Nguyen
I feel pathetic reading all these replies, I'm 20 and don't know shit about any of this stuff, unlike my dad who is a jack of all trades. I can barely do basic construction work :(
Jason Price
Lol fag took the welding career meme seriously
Sebastian Morris
True, I mean, I have been soldering electronics for a long time. So pipes aren't difficult to solder for me, but I want perfection. "No leaks" is not sufficient for my needs, and no plumber will ever try to make joint look good.
> too much can lead to other issues (e.g. a blockage in the line).
True, especially if you use a lot of flux.
I try to heat as little as possible, because flux otherwise gets black and it will not solder for shit.
For me butane works best, very forgiving.
Sure, if you need to make joint in 3 seconds you need something hotter and more powerful like propane or MAPP or oxy.
I will try oxy-acetylene one day. I really like an idea of welding steel with this shit.
It is time to DIY my friend.