Map vs Propane for Soldering

smata67 · 05-25-2010, 07:00 PM

I have a propane set up. I'm going to need to do some solder work on 1/2" copper. Some straight lengths, a few elbows, a ball valve. Will my propane setup do or will I have to upgrade to MAP? Looks like the MAP setup runs about $40. Also, how do I solder an elbow, won't the first joint loosen up when I heat the fitting to make the second one?

**oh'mike** · 05-25-2010, 07:56 PM

Smata--It's O.K. to use MAP gas with a regular propane torch. Map may shorten the life of the torch a bit --but it doesn't sound like you use it a lot anyway.

I do suggest that you use MAP gas --it's so much faster and safer.

When soldering--never solder just one side of a fitting. Make up as much of the piping as you can--then start soldering from one fitting to the next and so on --the heat from the last joint will pre-heat the next one if they are close enough.

secure the pipe with straps before you start to solder--you don't want the hot joints moving as you work.

Use flux on the pipe as well as the fitting--DO NOT wipe the hot fittings --you will likely jiggle the pipe while the solder is still liquid--and spoil the bond. Wipe the pipes when they are cool enough to touch.

Oaty 'easy flow' is a good plumbing solder.

heat one side of a fitting and push the solder in from the opposite side.

When the 'cold' side will melt the solder you know that you have the pipe hot enough.

Good luck there--ask more questions if you have them---there are a few good pro plumbers who will chime in---(and correct me if I goofed up)----Mike---

O'Leaky · 05-25-2010, 08:15 PM

To start, its MAPP gas. With that being said, propane is fine and probably better for a DIY. MAPP gas burns hotter and can lead to overheating quicker.

**oh'mike** · 05-25-2010, 08:20 PM

A valid point--burn flux is not so good!

(I never could spell!)

O'Leaky · 05-25-2010, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oh'mike

A valid point--burn flux is not so good!

(I never could spell!)

Thought someone would appreciate a joke.

**oh'mike** · 05-25-2010, 08:35 PM

Darn Midwesterners--Goofy flat land jokes!!!

smata67 · 05-25-2010, 09:03 PM

Good tips. I'm feeling a bit more confident now. I did solder some pipes about 12 years to connect tub fixtures and they are pretty much the only pipe work I have done in this house that doesn't need to be redone. I was worried that I might not be able to get enough heat onto the ball valve fittings, that a hotter gas might heat things up better and reduce the chances of damaging the teflon seat on the ball. Any tricks to prevent this from happening?

O'Leaky · 05-25-2010, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smata67

Good tips. I'm feeling a bit more confident now. I did solder some pipes about 12 years to connect tub fixtures and they are pretty much the only pipe work I have done in this house that doesn't need to be redone. I was worried that I might not be able to get enough heat onto the ball valve fittings, that a hotter gas might heat things up better and reduce the chances of damaging the teflon seat on the ball. Any tricks to prevent this from happening?

I like to wrap a damp towel around the side of the valve I'm not soldering on, but trust me, the valve can take the heat.

**oh'mike** · 05-25-2010, 10:08 PM

Like o;Leaky said--the valve won't be damaged during installation. Sound like you are ready to start!

---Mike---

05-25-2010, 07:00 PM	#1
smata67 Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 107	Map vs Propane for Soldering I have a propane set up. I'm going to need to do some solder work on 1/2" copper. Some straight lengths, a few elbows, a ball valve. Will my propane setup do or will I have to upgrade to MAP? Looks like the MAP setup runs about $40. Also, how do I solder an elbow, won't the first joint loosen up when I heat the fitting to make the second one?

05-25-2010, 07:56 PM	#2
oh'mike Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kane county,Illinois Posts: 16,762	Map vs Propane for Soldering Smata--It's O.K. to use MAP gas with a regular propane torch. Map may shorten the life of the torch a bit --but it doesn't sound like you use it a lot anyway. I do suggest that you use MAP gas --it's so much faster and safer. When soldering--never solder just one side of a fitting. Make up as much of the piping as you can--then start soldering from one fitting to the next and so on --the heat from the last joint will pre-heat the next one if they are close enough. secure the pipe with straps before you start to solder--you don't want the hot joints moving as you work. Use flux on the pipe as well as the fitting--DO NOT wipe the hot fittings --you will likely jiggle the pipe while the solder is still liquid--and spoil the bond. Wipe the pipes when they are cool enough to touch. Oaty 'easy flow' is a good plumbing solder. heat one side of a fitting and push the solder in from the opposite side. When the 'cold' side will melt the solder you know that you have the pipe hot enough. Good luck there--ask more questions if you have them---there are a few good pro plumbers who will chime in---(and correct me if I goofed up)----Mike--- Last edited by oh'mike; 05-25-2010 at 08:11 PM.

05-25-2010, 08:15 PM	#3
O'Leaky Leak Master Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mid-West Posts: 43	Map vs Propane for Soldering To start, its MAPP gas. With that being said, propane is fine and probably better for a DIY. MAPP gas burns hotter and can lead to overheating quicker.

05-25-2010, 08:20 PM	#4
oh'mike Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kane county,Illinois Posts: 16,762	Map vs Propane for Soldering A valid point--burn flux is not so good! (I never could spell!)

05-25-2010, 08:35 PM	#6
oh'mike Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kane county,Illinois Posts: 16,762	Map vs Propane for Soldering Darn Midwesterners--Goofy flat land jokes!!!

Map vs Propane for Soldering