Solder/flux question

Some great advice in our Mr Plumb's video's, there loads of topics covered.





I myself prefer to us a Mapp torch as used in video, it's quicker, the secret to good soldering is cleanliness of pipe & inside of fitting.
Been using Powerflow flux & Fernox lead free solder for years.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/fernox-solder-wire-lead-free/77198

 

Are you sure there's no water still in the pipe? even a small amount can cause problems when trying to solder joints!

 

I'm not a plumber,but it sounds like a cleanliness problem. Did you scour the pipe with wire wool?

 

Never tried powerflux, only ever used La-Co regular soldering flux paste with tin/lead and never had any problems (except water laying in pipes, hence the question).

http://www.screwfix.com/p/la-co-lac-22195-flux-paste-with-brush-in-cap-125g/61072

Always give all pipe and fitting a wipe around with wire wool - gives connections a key.

 

Some of the problems could be the quailty of the copper tube your using, got some here & it's horrible for soldering.
I alway use quailty Yorkshore copper tube usually from Plumbase as that's close to me.

Using powerflow fux & a lead free solder you shouldn't have any problems making perfect joints,if your cleanliness is up to scratch, just takes a bit longer with a propane toch compare to the hotter Mapp torch.

 

You can pick up GoSystem QP8088H Quick Pro Auto Mapp torch, can be found fairly cheap on Ebay, & the Monument 3450G Mapp Torch around £34 is another good torch again on Ebay.

And use MappPlus gas, yellow canister.

 

Heat the fitting not the pipe,the solder will then run in.

 

You just need practice and patience Gazzalad, the end of the day flux is flux, solder is solder, copper is copper and heat is heat it makes no difference.

 

Make sure you are using leaded solder for CH pipework, and lead-free for any potable water applications.

 

Practice, practice.

 

So if your having problems back to basics:
Clean the pipe and check the fitting for cleanliness
Apply the flux with a brush
Make up the pipe and fitting
Apply an even heat (patience needed)
Touch the solder to the bottom of the fitting
Wait for it to run evenly throughout the fitting
Allow to cool before any movement.

No other way to do it, as has been said it matters not which flux or solder you use.

 

Too much heat can cause the fitting to go black and burn the flux out

 

Hello guys,

I am a technician and the last two years I found a flux that cover all my needs.This product is the CS-FLUX and you can check all the details about it in some very interesting tutorials in the youtube. One very helpful is the following

 

Is it useful when trying to turn SPAM into Fritters?