Is this torch ok for solder ring fittings.

[EdTurtle]

GoSystem Auto Start Blow Torch

Quick to warm up and easy to use - this GoSystem blow torch is perfect for general DIY work along with paint stripping, plumbing and intermediate soldering jobs.Supplied with a 170g gas cartridge, the torch has a maximum operating temperature of 1600°C and features an auto-start Piezo ignition...

www.toolstation.com

As above, I'm looking to replumb a cloakroom, and i have no experience with soldering. I was going to use compression, but the joints will be boxed in and tiled, so prefer to solder, and thinking its a good skill to learn anyway?

I have a few bits of scrap copper to test/practice with some solder ring fittings, and i already have the torch as someone gave it to me. Will it be OK for this job? I am hoping i can cut/mark the pipes and solder them together on a bench, so shouldn't be needing to solder upside down or in awkward spaces?

Thanks

 

[Madrab]

@1600 degC then it should easily be hot enough.

 

[oldbuffer]

1. I doubt it would be much use upside down or if used much out of the vertical, but you seem to have already factored that in.
2. Given that you already have it, its worth a go. Probably OK on 15mm, might be more difficult on 22 mm.
3. Keys to soldering:
3.1 Pipe absolutely dry with no water.
3.2 Outside of pipe and inside of fitting clean. Use green Scotchbrite abrasive rather than wire wool as the latter can leave tiny traces of steel which can cause corrosion.
3.3 Flux on the pipe only. If you put it inside the fitting it can get pushed down beyond the soldering zone and can cause corrosion.
3.4 Wipe off excess flux with a damp (not wet) rag before soldering.
3.5 Heat, moving the torch around the joint as much as possible. When a clear silvery ring of solder appears at the edge of the fitting, the joint is made. Don't overheat the joint, or the flux will burn and become useless.
3.6 Allow joint to cool, and wipe with a fairly wet cloth to remove traces of flux which may have run out.
4. I use PowerFlow flux, but there are others, such as LaCo, Best applied with a flux brush.

 

[EdTurtle]

Thanks for your replies.

Thanks for the detailed response - a few questions:

I was going to go and buy some emery paper, but i have red Scotchbrite - would that be ok?
I have some LaCo Flux, no brush included - is a flux brush any different to a spare paintbrush or similar?
Do you heat the pipe and fitting, or just fitting?

I suppose i was also worried this torch might be 'too' hot, how would i know?!

Thanks

 

[Madrab]

I was going to go and buy some emery paper, but i have red Scotchbrite - would that be ok?

Yes - even a green scourer for the sink works well

I have some LaCo Flux, no brush included - is a flux brush any different to a spare paintbrush or similar?

Any brush should do, the flux brushes tend to be much courser/stiffer so make it easier to apply as the flux is thick and probably last longer

Do you heat the pipe and fitting, or just fitting?

I heat the pipe first, then as the flux starts to melt/bubble move to the fitting - not too close or too hot - though that's just a practice thing. You don't want the pipe to start to discolour too much, that's a sign of too much heat.