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.

 

[EdTurtle]

Gave this a go the other day, i think the joint looks ok, would appreciate some feedback if possible?

Do the joints look over/underheated? Does it look like the solder goes all the way enough, or should i have held the flame a moment longer? I also assume where the solder has come out too much, this is just because i didn't wipe the excess flux off enough?

Many thanks

IMG20250209140727.jpg

• EdTurtle
• 10 Feb 2025

IMG20250209140723.jpg

• EdTurtle
• 10 Feb 2025

IMG20250209140718.jpg

• EdTurtle
• 10 Feb 2025

 

[oldbuffer]

1. First two pictures (RHS of joint, ...728, ...723) look fine.
2. Last picture (LHS of joint, ...718). Almost certainly fine, but I'd prefer to see a more distinct solder ring at the edge of the fitting. Did you wipe it with a damp cloth while still hot?

 

[EdTurtle]

Hi, thanks for your reply. Good to know they look ok - even if a bit too much solder, i assume its because i had a bit too much flux, or is it something else?

I didn't wipe the damp cloth at all - once cool i gave it a quick polish with red scourer, and that was it. I think i should have held the heat on for a few seconds longer on this bit?

Thanks

 

[xd400]

Social media is convincing people plumbers are extremely meticulous. The majority of solder joints out there always use more than the needed amount of solder, whatever they claim themselves. Always have solder snots. Some wipe them off.

I've been plumbing as a DIYer since I was a teenager. The most important is scrubbing the copper to make it shiny. You don't need loads of flux but make sure it is well spread by spinning the pipe in the fitting.

You get guides saying only to heat the pipe and not the fitting. I heat both and have never had a problem. The blow torch you're showing will be fine for 15mm in decent temperatures but will struggle in freezing ones. In my experience you want to get the heat on there as fast as possible. Just my tuppence.

 

[EdTurtle]

Many thanks for your input. I suppose since the pipes will likely be boxed in and hidden anyway, i shouldn't worry then!

 

[Madrab]

The majority of solder joints out there always use more than the needed amount of solder, whatever they claim themselves. Always have solder snots. Some wipe them off.

That's quite a sweeping statement!! Almost sounds like it's meant to be antagonistic towards the pros. There will be many on here that would disagree with that statement.

I'd also add that IME the majority of badly soldered joints are usually created by excitable enthusiastic DIY'er handymen that then pretend to be professional plumbers and overcharge people for the displeasure.

 

[xd400]

That's quite a sweeping statement!! Almost sounds like it's meant to be antagonistic towards the pros. There will be many on here that would disagree with that statement.

I'd also add that IME the majority of badly soldered joints are usually created by excitable enthusiastic DIY'er handymen that then pretend to be professional plumbers and overcharge people for the displeasure.

Who are the 'pros'? Anyone that plumbs as a trade. Yes, there are some who do a great job and there are plenty who do a poor one. Just because you make it your trade doesn't make you brilliant by default. That applies to any trade.

Likewise DIYers who make a mess and others who do very good work.

I speak from life experience of dealing with tradesmen and with the results of their work after. Not even bothering to wipe off flux before they slap down floorboards.

There's no intention to antagonise anyone but to encourage someone who is starting and is obsessed with self doubt. Reality is most times the 'pros' do not do as they claim, especially on social media. If anyone wants to say they all, or even the majority, ream pipes after cutting, sorry but they are liars. Many of the same pros will do good work and also total bodges. That's just reality and human.

 

[Madrab]

Couldn't disagree more. To me a 'pro' is someone that is designated as a professional within their trade, someone is properly trained and qualified and is then certified to work in that profession. There are a lot of certified plumbers and gas engineers (pros) on here that are very meticulous and have great pipe soldering skills, have seen a fair amount of their work over the years.

Unfortunately these days, a lot of individuals that perform plumbing should not be called a professional. The trade has been diluted by so many people that aren't properly qualified, are glorified DIY'ers or handymen or who have been on a 6 months college course and come out with a technical cert. They then believe that because it can be so easy to do plumbing with all the easy fit materials/fittings etc that manufacturers produce that they can then venture out, call themselves a professional plumber and charge silly money for sub standard work. Why I always say to customers when getting anyone to do work in their house - check their credentials/quals, get recommendations, are they insured etc

I just believe your statement is sweeping and therefore stereotyping that all plumbers will be bad workmen at one point or another. Many professional plumbers will always do good work with proper design, correct setting out and as such do not need to bodge anything. I can quite happily and safely say that I have never had to bodge anything, all that means in the end is grief, a bad rep, call backs and no recommendations and I certainly don't agree that it is human and a reality that every plumber will at one point or another have to bodge a job.

@EdTurtle - apologies for stomping on your post like this.

 

[EdTurtle]

Hey no problem, it does make interesting reading anyway. I must admit i do tend to find when i have paid people to do work, i've rarely been happy with the work done - but i will accept that not everyone is like this at all. I just prefer to do it myself - but as rightly pointed out above, i am filled with self doubt!

I am actually thinking of swapping the solder ring fittings, and getting solder and trying end feed. Guessing i don't need to worry about the torch to do this as it seems to be ok for the job. Just not sure if its worth the extra outlay - is there much of a benefit over solder ring fittings. Would i be opening myself up to more potential leaks as they are more difficult to get right?

 

[oldbuffer]

If it's your first time soldering, with a torch that is not the best for the job, I's stick to solder ring.