We’ve been asked if we use propane or MAP gas while sweating or soldering copper tubing. In reality, both sorts of fuel will suffice. The primary distinction between propane and MAP gas is that MAP is hotter. That means you’ll be able to solder faster because the pipe will heat up faster.
Is MAPP gas safe to use when soldering?
Lead-free solder melts at a greater temperature than lead-based solder, which is now prohibited. MAPP gas torches are hotter than propane and are therefore a better choice for contemporary solder. Most 1/2- to 3/4-in. pipes and fittings only require five to ten seconds of heating with a MAPP gas torch before solder can be fed into them. But proceed with caution. MAPP gas makes it easier to overheat a joint. The joint is overheated if the flux turns black and the solder refuses to flow into the fitting.
When soldering copper pipe, what gas should I use?
A propane or MAPP gas torch can be used to solder copper (methylacetylene-propadiene propane). A yellow tank holds MAPP gas, while a blue tank has propane. MAPP gas is normally a little more expensive than propane, but it heats the pipe considerably faster. Propane works OK, but it takes longerwhich could be advantageous if you’re new to soldering copper and working with 3/4-inch or 1/2-inch piping. The torch you choose is entirely up to you.
Which solder is best for soldering copper pipe?
Copper pipe is soldered with what type of solder? Copper pipes carrying drinking water should be soldered with lead-free solder. It won’t include any contaminants that you don’t want in your drinking water. It will, however, necessitate a greater melting temperature than a 50/50 solder.
Can MAPP gas be used to braze copper pipe?
MAPP gas is used to braze copper since it has a lower melting point than acetylene, so the copper does not melt. It also has a hotter flame than propane, which makes heating the brazing rod simpler.
What is the best soldering gas?
MAPP gas is often regarded as the finest choice for soldering. A quick 5- 10 seconds of MAPP gas heating can quickly complete the task.
What is the purpose of MAPP gas?
Because of its high flame temperature of 2925 C (5300 F) in oxygen, genuine MAPP gas can be used in conjunction with oxygen for heating, soldering, brazing, and even welding. Although acetylene has a higher flame temperature (3160 C, 5720 F), MAPP has the advantage of requiring no dilution or special container fillers during transportation, allowing a larger amount of fuel gas to be transported at the same weight, and it is considerably safer in use.
Due to the high concentration of hydrogen in the flame higher than acetylene but lower than any of the other petroleum fuel gases a MAPP/oxygen flame is not totally suitable for welding steel. The hydrogen corrodes the welds by infusing itself into the molten steel. This is not a severe concern for small-scale MAPP welding because the hydrogen escapes rapidly, and MAPP/oxygen can be utilized to weld small steel pieces in practice.
Underwater cutting, which necessitates high gas pressures, MAPP/oxygen was shown to be beneficial (under such pressures acetylene can decompose explosively, making it dangerous to use). Underwater oxy/fuel gas cutting of any kind, on the other hand, has mostly been supplanted by exothermic cutting, which is faster and safer.
MAPP gas is also utilized in air combustion for brazing and soldering, where its higher combustion temperature of 2,020 C (3,670 F) in air gives it a modest edge over rival propane fuel.
The most significant disadvantage of MAPP gas is its high cost, which is typically one-and-a-half times that of propane at the refinery and up to four times that of propane at the consumer level. It is no longer widely utilized in any large-scale business; for bigger users, acetylene/oxygen is more cost-effective than MAPP/oxygen when high flame temperatures are required, and propane/air is more cost-effective when significant amounts of overall heating are required.
A MAPP/oxygen flame, on the other hand, is still extremely desired for small-scale users, as it has higher flame temperatures and energy densities than any other flame other than acetylene/oxygen, but without the hazards and hassles of acetylene/oxygen. It comes in handy for jewelers, glass bead makers, and a variety of other craftspeople. The high heat capacity of the MAPP/air flame is particularly valued by plumbers, refrigeration and HVAC experts, and other craftsmen; MAPP was frequently utilized until recently, and was provided in small to medium size containers.
Blowtorches are used to brown and sear food cooked sous-vide at low temperatures. MAPP gases should be used instead of cheaper butane or propane, according to Myhrvold’s Modernist cuisine: the art and science of cooking, since they create greater temperatures with less chance of giving the dish a gas flavor, which can occur with incompletely combusted gas.
Is it possible to solder copper pipe with a butane torch?
A butane torch is an essential item to have on hand, whether you’re searing the perfect crust on a rump roast or brazing a copper pipe fitting in a bathroom remodel. A butane torch produces a flame with a maximum temperature of around 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. These high temperatures, along with the long flames of butane, which may reach up to 6 inches in length, allow these torches to melt and solder metals such as copper and silver. Butane torches are compact and easy to wield, despite their ability to generate a tremendous blaze. They are normally under 2 pounds and just about 10 inches long.
If you’re in the market for one of these useful tools, keep reading to find out what features to look for when shopping. Also, don’t miss this roundup of the greatest butane torches available.
What type of solder is utilized in the plumbing industry?
You’ll need to choose the suitable type of copper pipe and flux, a substance that stimulates the flow of molten solder between the pipe and fitting through a process known as capillary action, in addition to the right type of solder for your application.
Flux is also designed to eliminate oxidation from pipes and actually etches the pipe surface in preparation for successful soldering. Prior to purchase soldering supplies, important variables like as ambient temperature, local code rules, and any jobsite time constraints should all be considered.
We’ve included some quick tips to remember for your next soldering project below.
- Type K has the thickest wall and the longest life expectancy. Commercial plumbing, such as underground water mains for potable water supply and HVAC lines, uses it frequently.
- Type L has a wall thickness that is halfway between Type K and Type M. Typically used for hot and cold water delivery in the interior.
- Because of its light weight, decreased rigidity, and affordability, Type M is the most preferred choice for home plumbing systems.
- Copper DWV is commonly used for vents and drains in older homes. Because there are more cost-effective solutions available, it is no longer a popular choice among modern-day homeowners.
- Flushing is necessary and designed to give superior wetting properties for better solder flow. Petroleum-based Flux (or Petrolatum Flux): Flushing is required and designed to provide superior wetting properties for better solder flow. Copper, copper-coated metals, brass, zinc, galvanized iron, lead, and tin are all compatible with this solder alloy.
- Hot Weather Flux is specially developed for hot regions and will not separate in temperatures as high as 135F.
- Flux that dissolves in water and is compatible with all typical plumbing solder alloys.
- Tinning Flux: Both water-soluble and petroleum-based formulations are available. Pre-tin piping and increase solder flow/enable even heating of a fitting with tinning powder particles, which is important when soldering bigger diameter piping systems. All typical plumbing solder alloys are compatible.
Although petroleum-based fluxes are safe to employ, they must be flushed from the pipe system using a chemical solution due to their water insolubility. Water-soluble fluxes, on the other hand, become self-cleaning and flush away once water is introduced to the system. To ensure correct use, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for product-specific application and safety requirements.
- Antimony-tin solder contains 95 percent tin and 5% antimony. Water supply lines are lead-free and safe to use. Designed for use in plumbing applications (refrigeration, cooling equipment, and heat ducts) where frequent high temperature fluctuations and vibrations occur; can also be used to solder electronics. The melting temperature range is 450F to 464F. It has an endless shelf life.
- Copper-tin Solder is made up of 97 percent tin and 3% copper. Water supply lines are lead-free and safe to use. Copper and brass plumbing joints are sweated with this tool. The melting temperature range is 440F to 572F. It has an endless shelf life.
- Silver, copper, bismuth, and tin are all present in silver-bearing solder. Water supply lines are lead-free and safe to use. Low-lead brass applications are ideal. It has a wide melting range (420F to 460F), allowing for additional soldering time.
Is it possible to solder copper pipe with a soldering iron?
Soldering copper pipe necessitates the use of specific tools. Safety equipment, in addition to your supplies, is required. Because soldering emits fumes, it’s important to keep ventilation in mind.
- Soldering Torch: Also known as a soldering iron, a propane torch is used for this project. It could possibly be a MAPP torch, which uses a hotter gas than propane to burn.
- Deburring Tool: This tool is used to remove small jagged and uneven pieces of metal from pipes and fittings. In a pinch, a metal file will suffice.
- Wire Brush: For cleaning the inside of your pipe fittings, you’ll need this small wire brush.
- Cut your pipe to size with a pipe cutter. A deburring tool is frequently included with a pipe cutter.
- Emery tape, also known as plumber’s tape or emery cloth, is a type of tape that is used to polish surfaces. The abrasive surface of plumber’s tape is similar to that of cloth sandpaper. It’s designed to soften rough pipe edges.
- Steel Wool is sometimes offered as an alternative to emery tape. This isn’t the best way to deburr your pipes. It could leave microscopic metal splinters behind, which could disrupt your soldered bond. If you can’t find emery cloth, use a scouring pad.
- Pipe Fittings: Select copper fittings that are compatible with your pipe. Before you start soldering, make sure they fit. If you’re going to use the press-connect approach, make sure you have press fittings on hand.
- Copper Pipe: You’ll need a short stretch of copper pipe to make a repair. Otherwise, you’ll be working with existing copper pipes that require a soldered-on fitting.
- Solder, often known as soldering wire, is the liquid that melts and flows between two sections of copper pipe to form a junction. It’s packaged on a spool.
- Soldering paste is often referred to as flux. It acts as a flame retardant for the pipe fitting.
- Using a rag, wipe away any excess flux. Also, any water that has seeped from the pipes should be dried up. To soak up surplus droplets, plumbers occasionally use a piece of white bread.
- Wear a respirator if you’re particularly sensitive to scents or smoke. Also, work in a well-ventilated area.
- Protective Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from any flying sparks or solder shards.
- Gloves for soldering: Heat-resistant soldering gloves are ideal. They’re a little more flexible than welding gloves, but they still keep your hands safe from the flame.
- Heat Shield: This fireproof cloth, often known as a burn blanket or torch blanket, is a must-have. It protects neighboring flammable walls, floors, and other items.
- Fire Extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. Make sure it’s full and pressured.
- Soldering Iron Stand: For the hot iron, you’ll need a stand. If your torch didn’t come with one, make sure you have a non-flammable place to set the iron down.
It’s almost time to get started now that you’ve gathered your resources. You are free to begin your repair right away. It is recommended, however, that you practice soldering with extra fittings and tubing first.
Getting a good bond may take numerous attempts. Work on your actual copper pipe project once you’ve gained confidence and experience.
Is it possible to braze HVAC lines with MAPP gas?
Mapp gas works fine on small lines like 3/8 ” and as long as you’re not in a spot where heating for an extended period of time will cause a problem it works O.K. on bigger lines like 5/8″ and 3/4″. When I didn’t have access to an acetylene or oxy/acet torch, I sweated in a lot of condenser units with Mapp gas. I still have extra Mapp gas on hand in case I run out of acetylene or oxygen during a job, especially on a weekend. I wouldn’t try to do an RV with Mapp gas, but you can get away with it for most household tasks.
