Soldering - where am I going wrong?

TedTrippin

TedTrippin

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Hi,

I keep practising on bits of copper pipe (15m) but consistently get the same problems. FWIW, I'm using Yorkshire fittings but want to add a bit of solder, as is frequently advocated.

Method I use is...
  1. heat up the joint (smallest flame I can get)
  2. remove heat
  3. touch solder to see if its hot enough
  4. repeat until solder starts to melt
By the time its hot enough to melt solder, the copper is often discoloured and the solder either doesn't travel into the gap or just falls off.

From the Q&B I got GoSystem flux and butane/propane mix. Got my lead free solder from wickes.

Is it me or the equipment?
 
Sounds like you're overheating the joint.

Clean pipe and fitting

Small amount of flux on the pipe and push on fitting

Wipe off excess flux

Steady flame and keep the flame moving across the pipe and fitting (don't hold it in one spot continuously!!)

With Yorkshire fittings you will see the solder run to the end there is no need to add more.

For End Feed touch the solder to the edge of the fitting every now and again when it starts to run make sure that you can see it has taken all around the fitting.

Remove the heat and allow to set for 20 seconds or so then clean joint.

Jon
 
Thanks Jon,

Other than wiping off excess flux, that's exactly what I'm doing.

Guess I'll just have to keep practising.
 
Try turning the heat down lower. It definitely sounds like you are overheating it.

I wouldn't say it was the equipment as you can solder with pretty much anything. (I've done it with a windproof lighter before!!!)

Any pictures?

Jon
 
Photos of top and bottom. Note, I did try a number of times on the same bit. I know thats not a good idea but I was just practising :)
 

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Yep, massively overheating the joint. Smaller flame and keep it moving. Don't try to get the joint as hot as possible in the shortest amount of time bring it up slowly. I'm doing a bit in a minute so will try and get a pic so you can see the size of flame I use on 15mm.

Jon
 
Remember that solder melts at about 200C, i.e. the temperature of a hot oven. Really quite a low temperature compared to a flame.
 
Not great pictures as they are from my phone but this is the kind of flame I use for 15mm
DSC_0229.JPG


And this is the end result you should be aiming for

DSC_0232.JPG


Jon
 
Cheers. Judging by the big blue cone on my flame I guess its WAY too hot o_O

As that's as low as I can go I think I'll need to invest in a better torch or different gas.
 
Just keep it moving quicker and take the flame away every now and again to build up heat slowly if your torch won't go down any lower. It's all about controlling the heat.

Jon
 
I can never understand "adding" more solder to what is a perfectly suitable fitting in the first place. Heat the fitting up till the solder ring appears and stop at that.
 
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