Braze vs. Solder...need some thoughts

[I_bend_metal]

Well, I was sitting here thinking about something...what do you guys think is better for copper linesets? Brazing, the traditional way with torches and nitrogen....

or

Soldering with a turbo torch, flux and some #8 solder?? (no nitrogen needed)

[air2spare]

oh boy.....this may get ugly!!!Attachment 5710

[I_bend_metal]

Yeah it probably will, but I am not saying that one is right or wrong, just curious to hear what everyone's thoughts are

[tjc76]

soft solder is for water lines and drains. use brazing rods

[cmajerus]

soft solder is for water lines and drains. use brazing rods

ditto

[itsiceman]

leaks leaks leaks
410 410 410 look out fire in the holeeeeeeee

[Downeasthvac]

why not braze with turbo torch?

[I_bend_metal]

why not braze with turbo torch?

LOL...I guess I was talking more about a hand held propane torch with the trigger and all. Would take forever!!

[Kevin O'Neill]

Stay Brite # 8. Many use brazing rods without nitrogen, Stay Brite #8 would be better. Plus Stay Brite does not weaken the base metal like brazing does.

But I can do it either way, and do.

[air2spare]

Ive used turbo torch in a pinch but you really need oxygen to get a hotter flame....and turbo does very poorly on large OD copper

[HVAC2B]

Well, I was sitting here thinking about something...what do you guys think is better for copper linesets? Brazing, the traditional way with torches and nitrogen....

or

Soldering with a turbo torch, flux and some #8 solder?? (no nitrogen needed)

I like to braze with 15% silver with a nitro purge

and sometimes i'll even use flux

has anyone tried that "COOL GELL" from Johnstone? pretty good to use on service valves,and to spray on insulation in attics when brazing!!!!IMO

[I_bend_metal]

I like to braze with 15% silver with a nitro purge

and sometimes i'll even use flux

has anyone tried that "COOL GELL" from Johnstone? pretty good to use on service valves,and to spray on insulation in attics when brazing!!!!IMO

Yes I have used that and it is good stuff....plus it washes away with water! Beats the hell out of Thermotrap! That stuff was nasty!

[mark beiser]

If you are not brazing the lines with a silphos alloy, you are violating almost every manufacturers installation instructions.

[HVAC2B]

Yes I have used that and it is good stuff....plus it washes away with water! Beats the hell out of Thermotrap! That stuff was nasty!

ONLY PROBLEM ONCE YOU GET HALF OF A BOTTLE,IT WONT SPRAY ANYMORE
AWESOME IN AN ATTIC,BUT I RATHER USE WET RAG OVER VALVES
STILL MUCH BETTER THAN THERMOTRAP

[tjc76]

Ive used turbo torch in a pinch but you really need oxygen to get a hotter flame....and turbo does very poorly on large OD copper

i use my turbo torch regularly on lines up to 2 5/8 brazing with silphos 15, and i don't have any problem with the performance. it's all a matter of using the right size tip

[bobb25]

:d