Braze or solder copper refrigerant lines to fittings

Posted by henny on December 24, 2006, 11:38 am

It seems like the two primary methods for connecting copper to copper
refrigerant lines to fittings are either Sil Phos 15 brazing rod or
Stay Brite silver solder.

I've done gas welding and some plumbing soldering jobs but would only
rate myself as a novice.

Which method is easier for a novice to do reliably? (Sil Phos or
Staybrite silver solder.)

I plan to do lots of practice on scrap copper pipe and fittings until
I'm proficient. I'd like to know which method is easier to learn and
do reliably so I have a good starting point.

For brazing copper lines (3/8 to 1-1/8" in diameter) what oxy/acet tip
do you prefer to use. (small rosebud??) Will a Turbo Torch w/ #4
tip and MAPP gas braze using Sil Phos 15? What about the Quick
Braze?? Is it worth getting??

Posted by James on December 24, 2006, 11:44 am

For the novice the silver solder is the better choice. If you don't have
nitrogen then you will create a fair bit of oxidation inside the lines if
you braze. It has to be a good joint as the high side has a lot of
pressure.

> It seems like the two primary methods for connecting copper to copper
> refrigerant lines to fittings are either Sil Phos 15 brazing rod or
> Stay Brite silver solder.
> I've done gas welding and some plumbing soldering jobs but would only
> rate myself as a novice.
> Which method is easier for a novice to do reliably? (Sil Phos or
> Staybrite silver solder.)
> I plan to do lots of practice on scrap copper pipe and fittings until
> I'm proficient. I'd like to know which method is easier to learn and
> do reliably so I have a good starting point.
> For brazing copper lines (3/8 to 1-1/8" in diameter) what oxy/acet tip
> do you prefer to use. (small rosebud??) Will a Turbo Torch w/ #4
> tip and MAPP gas braze using Sil Phos 15? What about the Quick
> Braze?? Is it worth getting??
>

Posted by theChas. on December 24, 2006, 12:40 pm

I was mentored on Sil Phos and had no problems with it. Make sure
everything is very clean and be sure you have the proper flux. Turbo torchs
worked fine for me. I was taught to have a slightly rich flame when using
acetylene (no excess of oxygen). I don't know it this it the proper way, but
it was how I was taught by an old timer who was self taught, and
correspondence schools, in the late thirtys.
Beware, when the flux melts and runs one can mistake it for Sil Phos..

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Posted by Bubba on December 24, 2006, 1:33 pm

>It seems like the two primary methods for connecting copper to copper
>refrigerant lines to fittings are either Sil Phos 15 brazing rod or
>Stay Brite silver solder.
>I've done gas welding and some plumbing soldering jobs but would only
>rate myself as a novice.
>Which method is easier for a novice to do reliably? (Sil Phos or
>Staybrite silver solder.)
>I plan to do lots of practice on scrap copper pipe and fittings until
>I'm proficient. I'd like to know which method is easier to learn and
>do reliably so I have a good starting point.
>For brazing copper lines (3/8 to 1-1/8" in diameter) what oxy/acet tip
>do you prefer to use. (small rosebud??) Will a Turbo Torch w/ #4
>tip and MAPP gas braze using Sil Phos 15? What about the Quick
>Braze?? Is it worth getting??

Elmers gue. Its quicker and faster
Bubba

Posted by Noon-Air on December 24, 2006, 1:51 pm

Its simply a matter of personal preferance and what your were "raised" with.
My personal preferance is Silphos 15 for copper to copper (no flux), 45%
silver w/flux for copper clad(plated) and brass.
I use oxy/acetylene exclusively, #2 tip for up to 7/8in, and a small rosebud
for 7/8in and larger.
For gas welding steel I use oxy/acetylene with a #3 tip up to 3/16in thick,
and a cutting head for up to 1/2in thick.... and no, I don't use coat hanger
wire for filler rod.

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