Making the Perfect End Feed Solder Joint

[Skelly87]

I prefer using end feed type copper fittings and I have had a good success rate.

However, I usually get an ugly drip of solder. Could anyone advise how I could avoid that and make a really neat job?. I know I am being a bit OCD about this, but that's just me!

thanks

tuttogallo

If pipe is to be left in its original state then use less solder to avoid drips. If pipework is being painted then i use my flux brush and wipe the solder drip away before it cools. Wash the flux off after though

 

[aaronsmith]

Hard to put into print, clean and flux pipe, heat pipe until solder runs wipe with rag old skool.

i do every joint like this,i was taught this way and will continue to do so,prob why am skint!

 

[nicro3]

i do every joint like this,i was taught this way and will continue to do so,prob why am skint!

Join the club, not saying do all the time, but for trainee's learn the right (may be slower) way.

 

[AWheating]

the best tip i can give to inexperienced people is use less.............. flux,solder and heat.

 

[dancinplumba]

the best tip i can give to inexperienced people is use less.............. flux,solder and heat.

tip of the century this is

 

[Blumper]

...tuttogallo.....do you really need to check whether your solder contains lead...??
In spite of that, EVERY plumber at the start puts in too much solder, the natural inclination is to believe that more solder= stronger/better joinst.....which is not true.....do yourself a favour and practice on some short pieces that you can test on a little rig in your own time to help convince yourself, and get in the habit of watching for that little slither of silver that you can see filling the tiny slip between the pipe and fitting, that's when you stop feeding the solder.....you don't need to 'fill' the triangle between the fitting edge and pipe to make it seal......try a few and test them and then seperate them, you'll see both surfaces are completely covered in solder....but it is a leap of faith to be confident in them but practice makes perfect..

 

[Blumper]

...error in the above, most plumbers STILL put too much solder in....but are creative in pipe support

 

[Archy Styrigg]

I have to admit, that I had been soldering about 15 years or so before I learned how to do it properly. I also have to thank South West Water for a small booklet they produced because the quality of soldering was considered by them as poor throughout the plumbing industry region.

You will need a wet cloth and a dry cloth.

1. Clean both copper pipe and fittings with dry non-metalic cloth
2. Apply flux sparingly to male surfaces of pipe only and do not apply flux to fitting (this is especially important for gas, because excess is pushed out externally).

3. Locate pipework into fitting, twist and remove any excess flux from the fittings with a dry cloth (externally).

4. Prepare to solder, with lead free solder in one hand, and blow lamp in other - apply heat until the fitting starts to sweat. Apply solder to back or rear of fitting (if vertical) and observe as the solder runs around to the front - immediately remove solder and heat.
5. Allow to cool, and remove residual flux with wet cloth. Polish with non-metalic cloth to shiny finish.

Remember the purpose of flux is to clean and allow the solder to run, so if you do not remove excess flux with a dry cloth before soldering, then vertical soldering is difficult because the solder runs out of the fitting and down the pipe following the flow of flux.

Follow the dry and wet cloth routine and you will have perfect joints, less risk of leaks, more money and you have conserved rare and precious metals. Not only that, you work will be beautiful and fill you with a sense of pride that money just can't buy - welcome to your vocation!

Read more: http://www.ukplumbersforums.co.uk/plumbing-forum/39491-neat-soldering-how.html#ixzz2Cxv7Mrqq

Fanatastic advice! Thanks.

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

just flux it,holding the lamp in the edge of the flame so it curls around the fitting,as the flux melts apply your solder,wipe it neat with a bit of wool or bog paper job done

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

...error in the above, most plumbers STILL put too much solder in....but are creative in pipe supportView attachment 9103

thats rubbish soldering