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*Soldering Copper Pipe*

When it comes to soldering it all boils down to practice, planning, and cleanliness. Draw up a plan that minimizes the number of joints. Preassemble as many parts as possible and make sure that every fitting that has to soldered in place is accessible.

When working in close spaces or near combustibles always use a heat shield and keep a working fire extinguisher close by.

Cut the pipe with a tubing cutter to make a perfectly square cut. Cut the pipe long enough to fit all the way into the fitting.

Clean the outside of the tubing with emery paper until the copper really shines bright.

Clean the inside of the fitting with a tubing brush until it is also bright and shiny.

Apply flux to the tubing and the inside of the fitting. Flux removes the traces of tarnish and etches the copper to help it to adhere to the solder.

The solder is always drawn toward the heat. Keep the hottest part of the torch flame on the fitting (the inner blue cone). When the flux begins to melt touch the tip of the solder to the joint. When the copper is hot enough the solder will melt into the joint. Wipe the solder joint with a wet rag to smooth it out.

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