pipe bending and soldering

[tom keane]

I have read alot of books about bending and soldering copper about would like to know if the rollers on pipe benders can be loosened as I have been getting throughting when i bend the pipes. I now there are different wall thicknesses of copper that follow the european standards en1057 but what is the best type to get for bending also if any one has any tips on how to stop this i would be very greatful.

I would also like to know how long it takes to heat a pipe before applying the solder and should the solder melt when it touches the pipe or do you still have to heat the pipe when applying the solder. also is it does the type of solder and flux make much difference.

 

[Softus]

throughting?

 

[joe-90]

It's what Linda Lovelace was famous for.


joe

 

[ChrisR]

If you mean throating, ie narrowing of the pipe where it's bent, yes, you will. If you didn't, you'd probably get ripples!

 

[Bryan King]

if pipe is rippling when you bend it then you are either using the bender wrong ie dont hold the pipe when making a bend or its the bender itself


Soldering is something that comes naturally to plumbers but the idea is to heat from the back of the fitting if possible and apply solder to the front. That ensures a good run round the fitting. As for heat, if you are using a good blowtorch( not all blowtorchs are ideal) then it doesnt take long to heat a 15mm fitting. Heat up fitting untill slight change in colour (few seconds) then apply solder. Solder should pull straight in and around fitting.
The bigger the fitting, the more heat required.

You will get the knack pretty quickly after practice

 

[JPC]

tom.....get some pipe and soldering kit and have a play...practice all weekend....then u'll see

 

[Softus]

if pipe is rippling when you bend it then you are either using the bender wrong ie dont hold the pipe when making a bend or its the bender itself

...or it's poor quality tube, or it's old tube...

 

[doblo7]

you are using the guides with the pipe bender?