Does Flux make a diference?

[bster]

Boy in collage installled a fully pumped system wih tanks, cylinder, boiler etc... with thje neatest end feed joints i've ever seen, he uses 'Everflux'. I use La-Co. Would this make a diference?

I find that La-Co flux runs (very easily) and thus so does my solder, are the boys joints neat because....

1) - I use to much flux
2) - because of type\make of flux
3) - to much solder?

 

[ollski]

1 and 3.

15mm of solder for a 15mm pipe joint, 22 for 22 etc. Wipe off all the excess flux before you solder....you only want it in the joint nowhere else.

 

[corgiman]

As a gas type bloke I only use la co as active flux is a no no on gas pipes

but if, god forbid its too often, i am plumbing and have especially dirty copper to connect to you cannot whack ever or powerflux

 

[tincup]

Hi

You using lead free him using leaded?

 

[bster]

As this is collage work i'm presuming we are both doing it by the regs (lead free for potable etc...). I think i put to much flux on my joints to be honest - do you use the solder to apply the flux or a 'flux' brush?

 

[ollski]

Get ready to slaughter me.....I don't solder that much but when I do it is a tiny bit smeared on with my finger. Probably not recommended especially for college but you need very little flux for a joint. Use the brush but scrape all the solder off on the side of the tub first and that will be plenty.

 

[bster]

cheers people - I think its a problem with the amount of flux I apply!

 

[corgiman]

as oll says a smear is enough

I find the more time you spend scrubbing the pipe and fitting with wire wool the better the joint will be

also a nice damp rag at the ready to wipe of the excess is great as most flux's are water soluble (I think lads so dont have a go too much )

 

[JohnD]

I have had really good results with solder paste (solder paint) which is made of finely ground solder mixed with flux, you apply it with a brush to the clean mating surfaces before making the joint.

It is rather expensive, though, and if you leave it lying around for long it dries up.

If you're doing it for a living though you should develop the skill to do it cleanly with flux and solder. Time spend on cleaning with wire wool and your old vest is the most important thing. And a tiny smear of flux.

 

[Nige F]

De burr after pipeslice .....clean to a shine with wire wool ........smear of fluxite......end feed the solder....wet rag after it`s taken ......hot flush to remove fluxite grease........NO wonder I never made much£££££

 

[sime10]

As a gas type bloke I only use la co as active flux is a no no on gas pipes

but if, god forbid its too often, i am plumbing and have especially dirty copper to connect to you cannot whack ever or powerflux

I asked this question about powerflow on my inspection and the inspector said that the flux was ok.
The only reason I asked him was, that I had heard you shouldn't use it

Man from Corgi say ok