Are there any different techniques to be used in sweating old rolled soft copper 3/8’s tubing as opposed to using standard 10ft half inch M lengths?
Thanks.
Are there any different techniques to be used in sweating old rolled soft copper 3/8’s tubing as opposed to using standard 10ft half inch M lengths?
Thanks.
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Replies
Never treated either any different when sweating -- just cutting. The soft copper tends to crimp a lot if you hurry your cut. That leaves the fittings a bit too loose. When cutting soft copper, I make sure to use a tubing cutter with a nice, sharp wheel (I keep one of my cutters reserved for such potentially problem cuts. That way, it's not so abused, and cuts straighter and with less crimping.)
Also, old soft copper sometimes isn't so "soft" anymore. ;-)
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Technically since soft copper has a minimum "L" thickness it takes more heat than the thinner "M", but it is so minute you're not going to notice any difference.
Common problem is soft isn't always round, so sometimes there is a gap to fill. Minute issue on 3/8", but can be a real terror on 2".
Thanks to all.