Hi. I'm having some problems soldering some coper pipe (we've had to move some radiators). It's not a task I've done before, so I've spent a lot of time reading up on the topic and watching videos (I know there's no substitute for practice, of course).
I have a Propane Benzomatic torch, with lead free solder & flux. Following advice, I'm wire wooling the ID & OD of the pipe and fittings, although I am using new pipe, so I'm not cleaning up old stuff (yet). Once roughed up, I'm applying flux to the joints, assembling and twisting. Then, I'm cleaning excess flux away and heating the fitting with the blue inner flame.
The flux boils and smokes within about 5secs of heat application, but it takes a good 30secs longer for the fitting to get hot enough to melt solder (flame removed) and the fitting stays hot enough to melt the sodler for about 5secs.
My problem is that the solder just pools up at the mouth of the fitting and drips off the pipe, it never "sucks" into the fitting I don't know what I'm doing wrong, any advice?
I'm solding 15mm & 10mm pipe with new end-feed fittings on a heating system. Could it be the flux / solder? Should I go and get some leaded stuff (some folks say it's easier to use)? Or is it a technique thing (probalby, as I'm a novice!!)?
Thanks!
I have a Propane Benzomatic torch, with lead free solder & flux. Following advice, I'm wire wooling the ID & OD of the pipe and fittings, although I am using new pipe, so I'm not cleaning up old stuff (yet). Once roughed up, I'm applying flux to the joints, assembling and twisting. Then, I'm cleaning excess flux away and heating the fitting with the blue inner flame.
The flux boils and smokes within about 5secs of heat application, but it takes a good 30secs longer for the fitting to get hot enough to melt solder (flame removed) and the fitting stays hot enough to melt the sodler for about 5secs.
My problem is that the solder just pools up at the mouth of the fitting and drips off the pipe, it never "sucks" into the fitting I don't know what I'm doing wrong, any advice?
I'm solding 15mm & 10mm pipe with new end-feed fittings on a heating system. Could it be the flux / solder? Should I go and get some leaded stuff (some folks say it's easier to use)? Or is it a technique thing (probalby, as I'm a novice!!)?
Thanks!