Soldered Joints Rough / Grainy Finish at top of Joint (Lead free Solder & Mapp)

[Chuck]

I agree with Rob Forster, MAPP is an acetylene substitute because it burns with a very hot flame. Try using a propane or butane torch instead.

Another possibility is your flame is set towards the oxidising end of the spectrum (excess oxygen, blue hissing/roaring) but for soldering you want to be neutral or reducing.

 

[Rob Foster]

Think you are probably right

I did do a training piece first, using leaded and lots of T-pieces and vertical fittings with sizes 28mm, 22mm.

Only got into trouble when I got down to 15mm and the Rothenberger torch with standard as supplied large turbine tip overheated red hot cos I turned it down for the 15mm stuff. I guess when turned down the flame front goes into the head with bad results. (Instructions say 1 inch flame min, but everyone seems to thing that is wrong - just look at it for starters). Now got the smaller tip and jet, but perhaps still turned up too much.

So main thing I think I need to try is cooler, and perhaps I am still accidentally blasting the joint after I've applied the solder when I move in to the second joint. Also by second joint I'm starting to worry I'm trashing the flux. I need to relax a bit more and remember these are just training ones

Will also have a go with Propane - think I've still got some.

Thanks,

Roy

While your there get some lead and have a play ...We will,tell you what to do ....I know lots
like lead to copper soldered joints ...you might as well learn if you are intrested this much
centralheatking

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Any pics as your using the same set up as me

Clean pipe and fittings with steel wool
Flux pipe
Insert into fitting
If vertical joint wipe flux off
Turn torch on flame about 2” long
Heat bottom joint first holding flame at just the top of the socket bit
Wait till joint is ready eg sucks add about 5-6mm of solder (15mm tube)
Now do the top joint without moving the flame
Leave to cool for a few minutes
With a wet towel clean the joint
Scotch brite pad for buffing

Done

It’s all down to practice

 

[Roy_66]

I agree with Rob Forster, MAPP is an acetylene substitute because it burns with a very hot flame. Try using a propane or butane torch instead.

Another possibility is your flame is set towards the oxidising end of the spectrum (excess oxygen, blue hissing/roaring) but for soldering you want to be neutral or reducing.

Thanks Chuck, thats interesting. I'll try turning down until all bright blue bit gone, but check first torch does not overheat before doing any soldering. I'll keep a count on how long until I get a melt and report back.

Thanks,

Roy

 

[Roy_66]

Any pics as your using the same set up as me

Clean pipe and fittings with steel wool
Flux pipe
Insert into fitting
If vertical joint wipe flux off
Turn torch on flame about 2” long
Heat bottom joint first holding flame at just the top of the socket bit
Wait till joint is ready eg sucks add about 5-6mm of solder (15mm tube)
Now do the top joint without moving the flame
Leave to cool for a few minutes
With a wet towel clean the joint
Scotch brite pad for buffing

Done

It’s all down to practice

View attachment 37792

Thanks Shaun. There are now links at the top to the two pictures on photobucket (as I think I'm not alowed to add pics directly yet). Your stuff looks neat. I need to experiment. Could be that I solder ok but then accidentally waft the torch on it while still liquid. So try lower torch / propane / then lead (got a bit left from the good old days )

Roy

 

[ShaunCorbs]

They come up with just a black screen for me but mobile atm

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Thanks Shaun. There are now links at the top to the two pictures on photobucket (as I think I'm not alowed to add pics directly yet). Your stuff looks neat. I need to experiment. Could be that I solder ok but then accidentally waft the torch on it while still liquid. So try lower torch / propane / then lead (got a bit left from the good old days )

Roy

Just checked your soldering link you didn’t pay 68 for it did you

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Plumbing-P...79404&s=gateway&sprefix=plumbers+solde&sr=8-3

But tbh go to a local screwfix / plumbing merchant and get some lead free

 

[Roy_66]

Just checked your soldering link you didn’t pay 68 for it did you

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Plumbing-P...79404&s=gateway&sprefix=plumbers+solde&sr=8-3

But tbh go to a local screwfix / plumbing merchant and get some lead free

No I think price has gone up considerably since I bought it some time ago so not a good option now. I am using lead free at the mo. Think I need to turn torch down even more and experiment. Will post with how I get on.

Thanks,

Roy

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Would a pic help of flame set up ?

 

[Roy_66]

They come up with just a black screen for me but mobile atm

Ooops. Could be the resolution which I didnt turn down in my haste to work out photobucket. I'll reduce next time.