Sweating Copper - Torch

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paperbag3

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Is there a particular type of torch that anyone prefers when sweating copper joints?

Any other considerations or preferences anyone has re: equipment when doing this type of job?
 

Jadnashua

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It somewhat depends on how often you are going to do it and the size of the pipe you are soldering. Propane is cheap but doesn't heat as fast or get as hot as other options. It works okay for smaller pipe. MAPP gas gets hotter and you can finish faster. This also means the heat may not migrate as far since you'll have the joint done sooner and remove the heat source. Acetylene gets hottest of the generally used, but tanks and torch will cost more. Overheating a joint is probably more common with propane since it can take such a long time to get the whole thing up to temp...parts can get too hot while waiting for the rest to heat up. A lot of this is technique.

soldering_kit.jpg
 
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Southern Man

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For a typical DIYer sweating 1/2" and 3/4" pipe a hand held propane with an electronic lighter in the trigger can be had for about $20 and will outlive you take reasonable care of it.
 
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