Sweaty Business...

Say you don't know how to solder pipes? This ought to help!

First, soldering in terms of pipe is called "sweating" - but we won't sweat the terminology! (Heh!)

No-sweat sweating: The steps...

First, cut the section of pipe to size with a pipe cutter. A pipe cutter looks like a "C"-clamp, but has two rollers and a cutting blade. Set it to position on the pipe and tighten it so that it will not slide on the pipe. Spin the cutter around once or twice, then give the knob a half turn to tighten the cutter. Spin the cutter around the pipe a few times, then tighten a half turn again. Keep doing this until the pipe halves separate. Cool, huh?

Now, clean the OD of the pipe with a wire brush or sand paper until it is shiny. Clean the inside of the fitting with an ID brush or a ring of sand paper on the end of your finger.

Next, apply some flux to the outer portion of the pipe that will be in contact with the inside of the fitting. Flux is available in liquid or paste form. In paste form, with small parts, you can "spin" the end of the pipe in the paste to get adequate coating. (Don't glop it on. A little dab'll do ya!!) With liquid, or with long parts, you'll want to use a brush to apply the flux.

Assemble the joint by inserting the pipe into the fitting.

Now, using your propane torch, heat the joint by directing the flame at the larger or outer piece - usually the fitting. Hold the torch so that the tip of the blue part of the flame is just touching the metal, and move the flame around the joint to even out the heating. It is best to hold the parts in a vise while heating the joint. If the assembly is very small, use some flame-resistant cloth or a couple of pieces of wood to insulate the assembly from the vise. If using wood, keep a bucket of water or an extinguisher handy...

When your flux begins to steam, touch the (lead-free!) solder to the joint. You should see it melt and "suck into" the joint. Touch the solder to the joint once on either side of the joint. Avoid using too much. A drip at the bottom of the joint is a good indicator that you have more than enough solder. Allow the assembly to cool...

That's it! You've soldered your first joint! Congratulations!

If you want things pretty, you can wire brush the drip from the joint while hot, or sand it off after it has cooled. (Or get good at it and don't form a drip at all!)

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