Blow Torch for DIY'er

[Jupiter01]

Hi All,

I am planning a set of 22mm Flow and Return pipes and need advice on the blow torch and gas I should purchase. I've seen that they range from £20 to £120. Can someone please suggest what I should be buying given that I am not a plumber but equally don't want to be fighting with something for the duration of my job! I will be using lead free solder and flux for my fittings.
Thanks in advance.

Regards,

 

[muggles]

This should do you, and you'll need a bottle of propane from a plumbers merchants, or I think B&Poo sell them

 

[Newboy]

And this is worth a read

//www.diynot.com/diy/threads/top-tips-fixes-bending-soldering-repairs-etc.134553/

 

[Jupiter01]

Thanks for the link.
Have you tried that torch yourself pal? Seems to be reasonably priced...

 

[muggles]

I haven't, I use Rothenberger Super Fire torches, but they're about £60 and a bit much for a single DIY job. That looks like a cheaper, more plasticky copy

 

[Newboy]

I'll second that

 

[bernardgreen]

I agree Rothenberger It may seem a lot to pay to do a few joints but if the cheaper blow torch results in just one leaky joint the cost and nconvenience of that repair will be a lot.

 

[Jupiter01]

If your advice is to pay the extra and buy a Rothenberger as it's necessary for the job I am doing, I will do that but didn't want to go buying a tool that the pros would for a one-off job. Having said that, it would only take one leak to render the whole thing a failure and I do have around 70 metres of 22mm Copper to lay. What do you think guys?

 

[gas112]

No need to go to the expense of unleaded solder its on heating pipes and leaded solder is perfectly OK and will be easier for a diyer to use

 

[Jupiter01]

Thanks Gas112. Do you have a view on the blow torch?

 

[Elkato531]

I'd say the cheaper torch should be ok. I doubt it would give several years of daily use being regularly chucked in and out of a van like the Rothy one will, but your obviously not going to give it that type of abuse.

 

[Jupiter01]

Thanks Elkato531. I don't want to cut corners where I shouldn't but equally don't want to throw money unnecessarily. I will go with the chepaer option unless someone feels strongly in a different direction.

 

[AL66]

I've done plenty of DIY end feed soldered plumbing over the years, originally using cheapo torches - never had a joint leak, always make sure it's prepared properly, heat evenly making sure you don't burn the flux off and will be fine. Clean the joint once cool and then inspect with a small mirror to make sure you can see solder all the way around. Now got a Rothenberger same as the pros, it's more controllable but also is a lot hotter so easy to overheat everything if you're not careful. I've always used lead free solder with Fry Powerflow flux.

Having to light el cheapo torch with matches or a lighter is a pain so at least get one with an ignition. Then again I like using good quality tools too so take your pick!

 

[PullerGas]

These are great & under 40 quid at B&Q:
http://www.go-system.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/254/category/22/

This torch & a cylinder of propane MAPP gas will last you for ages.
HTH

 

[mattylad]

One for £20 from your local plumbers merchants is likely to do fine for a one off job.