Replies

1. 
   mitch | Jun 03, 2003 03:31am | #1

   i've wondered that myself- could it be so that you can use the iron to push the seam tight together if needs it while the solder flows?  solder doesn't work too well with a loose joint.  anyway, that's my guess.

   m

1. 
   junkhound | Jun 03, 2003 05:11am | #3

   Even better is a 500 W electric iron, the skill it takes to control torch heat is much harder to learn than use of an iron.

   Found out years ago that repairing car radiators was a cinch with a 500 W electric iron, alway got leaks with torch (too hot or too cold), and usually too cold with brazier heated iron.

   As said, there is also always the fire hazard for the very unskilled also.

2. 
   nigelUsa | Jun 03, 2003 03:43am | #2

   With a flame on to the roof you might set fire to the decking material and not find out till way too late. The irons are not as hot as a flame and offer more control.

3. 
   timkline | Jun 03, 2003 06:38am | #4

   Mainly for control. Heat control so that the liquid solder doesn't run all over everything and make a big mess. It also seriously reduces the problem of discoloring the copper from heating it with a torch.

   carpenter in transition

4. 
   Houghton123 | Jun 03, 2003 07:08am | #5

   I bent tin for just six months, but back years ago when the old techniques were The Only Ones.  Since I got back to desk work, I've continued to do sheet metal work intermittently on my house -- so the below is based on those experiences.

   Not sure of the physics, but I've tried it both ways, and the soldering copper wins, hands down.  Part of it, I think, is that the retained heat in the copper warms the sheet metal to soldering temperature faster than the spot heat of a propane torch.

   I don't even like the big electric soldering irons for sheet metal soldering -- they lose their heat too fast when you apply them to the stock.

   Also, for metal that's reluctant to go together properly on its own, you can use the very tip to hold it down until the solder "skins" -- not so easy with a propane torch.

   Two coppers, well-tinned, and a firepot -- sheet metal bliss.  I love soldering tin.

   BTW, my son (who also uses coppers for tinwork) says that you can use those propane camping stoves, especially the cheap ones, or some varieties of propane radiant heaters to make your own firepot.  The original firepot "stoves" for coppers are hard to find.

1. 
   PhillGiles | Jun 03, 2003 08:45am | #6

   Better still, look for an old Coleman Peak 1 or MSR "Whisper" white gas or multi-fuel single-burner camping stove. I've seen them in garage sales for $5..

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario

1. 
   Wet_Head | Jun 03, 2003 08:51am | #7

   what's up with all the helpful posts?  a new Phill?

   I appreciate it Phill.

2. 
   JohnSprung | Jun 04, 2003 01:47am | #8

   Thanks, Phoenix!

   I'm tooling up and trying to learn copper work at the moment, I'm going to be doing three squares of standing seam on part of my house this summer.  I appreciate any sources and suggestions on any aspect of copper roof work.

   Thanks again --

   -- J.S.