Help with my soldering technique

[Dan Robinson]

I use a strong cloth

 

[tommyv]

So I took back the crappy torch and invested in a Rotherberger SuperFire 2. All I can say is WOW! It was pricey but you definitely get what you pay for. Soldering is now effortless and a lot neater! Thanks for all your advice guys, I'm feeling a bit more confident now I have the right tools and had a little more practice

 

[Dan Robinson]

Post some pictures

 

[tommyv]

Post some pictures

Do these pass quality control??

WP_20150928_001[1]

• tommyv
• 28 Sep 2015

WP_20150928_002[1]

• tommyv
• 28 Sep 2015

WP_20150928_003[1]

• tommyv
• 28 Sep 2015

 

[Terry lambert]

Nice, did you pressure test the sections of pipe ?

 

[tommyv]

Nice, did you pressure test the sections of pipe ?

Nope, I assume I would have to buy some kind of pressure tester? Or is there some kind of DIY test I can fudge together?

 

[Terry lambert]

Joints look good, but even the best looking joints can leak ( everybody gets leaks) the only way to know if a joint is good is to test it, if it looks good and doesn't leak, all gravy

 

[Dan Robinson]

Look very good. See much worse than that by professionals

 

[tommyv]

Cool, can you recommend a pressure tester that wont break the bank?

 

[wez1981]

For pressure testing I got some compression end caps, drilled and installed a tyre valve, then pump up with my little compressor. Worked a treat

 

[Terry lambert]

Be careful, the energy required to compress air is much higher than water, end caps can blow off with force

 

[theSouth]

tommy - I had the exact same problems tonight soldering some end feed 28mm. Solder would just bobble and drop off. I reduced heat to begin with and it helped a lot.

Luckily I found this thread and took the other advice, especially the 'heat away from where you apply the solder' and the solder will 'run to the heat' from Dan

After several practices I got a technique that works. I pressure tested mine to 1.5 bar using a dry test gauge.

Search google for 'dry test gauge'. Mine was about £30 and has a 15mm pushfit fitting. Also has the required Schradar valve so you can easily pump up using bike pump.

As I write now it's pumped up to 1.5bar and I'm waiting for 30mins whilst I have a well deserved beer.

It's easy when you know how, as they say