Soldering Big Copper Pipe, This Is What I Do Outside of The Woodshop
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- Опубликовано: 18 мар 2019
- This one is just for the fun of it to show you folks what I'm doing when I'm not in my woodshop. In this video we are showing part of a boiler installation on a job I was doing for my company last week. We were able to get some good close up shots of soldering big copper pipe together. We got lucky and had no leaks. I know this one is not timber framing or woodworking or blacksmithing but it is a major part of the life I live. Hope you folks enjoy it and if you do leave a comment and we can share more content of this nature.
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Nice work. At my preretirement job at Indian Point Maintenance had a silver soldering job to do. It was in a radioactively contaminated area that had an ambient temp of 153 degrees. Because of the contamination they were dressed out in full anti contamination clothing with an additional plastic outer coveralls and a full face respirator. Because of the heat and required dress each man had a 10 minute stay time. There was a line of mechanics waiting to take their turn. One 50ish man was rushed to the hospital because of a possible heart attack. When he returned to the plant he was assigned to the tool room - no more dressing out for him. The realty of the Homer Simpsons in the nuke field.
Hi Jim thanks for the update and sharing this video 🤔👍👍👍
So clean 💪🏻
Liked it.
I read through the rest of the comments and I just want to add another. At 68 yrs old I have been around several tradesmen including an old blacksmith who was a neighbor. Don't sell yourself short cut you are counted among the best with what you do. Thanks again for all you share with us.😍
Thank you.
Nice to see quality work, and attention to detail.
Thank you.
Thanks Loved the soldering.
Good, I might show some more work stuff from time to time.
Pretty impressive. Got some insight on how to clean up my soldering. Thanks for sharing!
A dry rag works wonders.
I came for the timber framing but like this too I'm a plumber myself, mostly excavation
Only a Craftsman takes the time to clean the joint like that, nice work Jim and friends!
Thank you. I like clean mechanical work.
Man, you are truly rocking out!
Hey there, good to hear from you.
Thank Jim for letting us into your daytime job! Made a nice change and showed us more of your skills. Like you said, a lot of people have trouble soldering. Nice to see. All the best Graham 🇬🇧🇬🇧
Thank you Graham.
I'm up for any craftsman videos you make. They are all top notch and informative. Great channel and dont forget the rest of the farm as spring arrives please.
We have a lot of farm stuff coming up.
Hey Jim.
Like seeing new things. Like many people here, I think we enjoy variety of stuff, tinkering if you will. It was cool.seing the boiler being put together, I didn't realize they were modular.
As always keep up the good work and stay safe.
I hope we're not running out of young men and women to teach the trades too.
-Will
Solderings good !
Thanks Bruce
Thanks Jim, brought back lots of memories installing large boilers and working with up to 6 inch threaded and welded piping. Boilers are what I miss the most about the job despite the heavy lifting. The end sections were always the killers! Oh and 5 foot pipe wrenches over your head was always a special treat! Keep up the great videos!!
Boiler work is my favorite as well.
Nice video. Thanks for making. I'm doing some 4" tomorrow for the first time and it's hard to find anything on large pipes.
Hey Jim! Well that was interesting! Cool to see what you do.
It has its moments. A lot of dingy basements and cold rooftops.
Nice job of soldering 👨🏭 looked good sometimes it good to show what pays the bills.💚
It is from time to time.
Co-operation!
Is the hope of the world.
Hnce what I do!
Best&thanks!
John
Thatta way jim...good job,..love your boss wanted to be involved
It was cool.
Hey Jim, I worked on a Nursing Home to help a friend out with his business and worked on pipes of this size. The maintenance man before me just put a bucket under it and walked away. Nice job.
Nice example of capillary attraction neat work.
Thank you. Good evening.
Awesome
Hey Jose
Nice quality work there Jim. I always had problems with vertical couplings until someone like you showed me how to do it correctly, bottom joint first, careful control of the heat, just like you do!
That's right Chris, less heat and smaller bites.
Also heating up the joint a bit and wiping off excess flux as it comes down the side of the pipe prior to soldering is another tip.
You have a Masters in Soldering copper pipe for potable use...in my college....i have no college bu you definitely have the certification when i do have a college!
I do it a lot on boiler installs. Years of practice.
Nice craftsmanship, dieing breed. Keep them coming.
Will do
Evening Jim, nice work! M
Thanks Michael.
That’s really interesting. It’s nice once in a while to see how you pay the bills. Keep up the good work. 👍👍👍
Thanks Guy.
Dear Jim,
That's got to be the cleanest soldering job I've ever seen. I am more accustomed to seeing pipes that look like some half baked "plumber" threw a hot pot of lead at it. At best that's all there is, at worst one gets to see the verdigris left behind by the uncleaned flux. It's clear you take pride in what you do & aim to do it well, It's all the more a pity that this way of of life is no longer the norm over here, rather a means to an end without any pride in what's being done. That's one of the reasons why I had to undertake pretty much everything in the house after seeing all the horrors here & there. Very well done my old fruit. Kind regards.
Pretty neat, Jim! Installed my own water heater a few years ago and it still doesn’t leak. So I guess I can sweat okay too! I also do upgrades on my computer once in a while. Soldering is cool!
That's all that matters.
Awesome Jim. I am proud of myself if 1" doesn't leak when I am done.
Nothing wrong with that at all. I had better know how to do this after 15 years in the trades.
Evening Jim... I enjoy the work videos, gives variety to the channel. And I would really enjoy a tutorial on soldering, actually on anything you do at work. I never know when I may need it here at home. That looked like a much hotter torch than the standard little propane container.
That is a B-tank. It's an acetylene torch type setup but a single tank.
It’s been a TTC marathon today! Long story... but making my miserable Florida sunburn a little better! Thank you Jim...
Oh no, you passed out topless again didn't you?
TheTradesmanChannel you nailed it! Hahahaha! I belong in the shop not on the beach!
Howdy Jim . Last time we sore you doing this you were on a roof with brass monkeys screaming because there nuts had fell off with the cold .and I was blown away by your skill to do soldering in that kind of temperature. Now in some what better conditions you are out standing the sweated joints are a credit to you sir my hat is off excellent . Love to all etc. ❤️👍
Thank you David.
After watching you be so good and wearing your respirator while making dust in the barn, I saw the smoke and fumes coming off the solder joints here and wondered why you didn't have it on for protection - even with lead-free solder...
Big iron, big pipe, and fire. What's not to like. You're pretty good at it Jim
Thanks Tim. I've done it for 15 years, lots of practise.
Nice to see you have a life outside the barn. 😂 Cool video!
It makes me miss my barn.
We live in a 4 story 250 unit apartment complex; less than a year ago, they replaced some straight sections and elbows of 3 inch copper on both the inlet and outlet pipes on the boiler; it’s in the garage where we can all see it. Both the inlet and outlet started leaking about a week ago until today, it was so bad, they replaced quite a bit and changed the angles and routing - not sure that really solved the problems.
Our apartment management tries to save money by using unqualified guys who can’t even install 3/4 inch flex line correctly much less 3 inch boiler lines and the sloppy solder joints as well!
Anyhow, When I saw the messed up solder joints, I searched and ended up here watching your excellent video of a real professional job - well done!
Pleased to meet you. That's too bad they hired some hacks. Unfortunately not many landlords will pay for quality work and that is a shame.
Turning into a bit of Variety Show! You're no Carol Burnett, but I like it just the same!!! Good stuff.
I can dress in drag..,
lol...Now THAT would be something to see.
Oh thats some big pipe. You should do a talking video on soldering. Nice technique. I had to fix a frozen copper pipe today, just 1/2" copper, it froze at a elbow, behind some drywall so had to hack a hole then fix. It didn't leak and I didn't spend much time cleaning the excess drips off, I do tidy up if exposed. But my soldering never looks quite as nice as a professional job, I usually use too much solder I get it done though. Cleanlyness is next to Godlyness when it comes to solder.
I would like to see a tutorial on soldering pipe. I can probably find a video on the tube but you have obviously mastered it. I have done some soldering I would like to know if you can heat up and take out a brass mixing valve and solder a new one in. I see this coming in the neat future.
Thank you!!
We can do that.
I agree. I am removing the old bathtub and putting in a 5 ft shower. Would love the insight.
ahh the ole turbo torch, spent a lot of time behind one of those!
Me too, a lot of brazing, a lot of soldering.
Good evening Jim; I always like seeing somebody that does every thing. I'm a diyer, I've been doing carpentry of some sort since I worked with my dad jacking up barns and some remodeling of old shacks! In 1979 I stated working on NEW houses and since have done every thing from foundation to roofing. I started building my own house in 1992 and the only thing that I hired out was the septic. It's a 28 x 40 2 story modified gambrel. I may even finish it before I die! HaHa. Most of the material was bought at a lumber transfer outfit near me. Any 2x4s were 25 cents and 2x6 were 50 cents, and of course I grab all the 16 footers I could get.I have radiant floor heat that I have $43oo in including all pipe, boiler, fittings, and a Phaze III water heater. I also have 28 x 48 3 bay garage with shop up stairs.I do every thing, mostly, on my own. As I said before I'm a diyer: I have only once had a vehicle in a shop for repair, and have done about every thing there is to do including rebuilt engines/transmission and body work. BOY, writing this book is more work than I've done in a year, and I suck at typing! Enjoy your vids and knowledge. Hope you can make it through all this before you keal over, have a good night.
It may be a book but it's good reading. Good evening.
@@TheTradesmanChannel Thank you sir.
you sure put hart and sole in that soldering. good stuff would like to see more.
We can arrange that.
best looking copper job ive ever seen, what type of gas for the torch are you using?
Turbos really have a distinct whistle.
They damn sure do
Good evening Jim. I guess everybody needs some way to lay the big pipe... LOL. Fine job, as a former construction worker I have to say, I appreciate you going back and wiping down the joints. Too many substandard contractors don't do that professional step around here anymore. Well done.
A dry rag makes all the difference.
@@TheTradesmanChannel oh, I know. I always wipe down my pipe sweating/soldering. I even wipe down my PVC connections while they're still freshly glued.
Same here
@@TheTradesmanChannel Mark of someone who cares how their finished product looks. Professionalism at its finest.
Count me as one who would really appreciate some soldering tutorial videos! Even if sweating copper does nothing for the soul, how about the simple act of sharing some knowledge of another one of your trades?
I weld and wrench on trucks for soul work, but your channel has got me looking at circular saws and chisels online (more tools and materials I don't have room for). I just want to say thanks for sharing your knowledge and I'll be watching whatever the project of the night/day.
Thank you Cooper, I will put one out for sure.
Prof the reason behind wiping the joint I think is to make a neat joint and to remove any flux so that you do not get a green line round every joint, many hands make light work.
Exactly.
I would have prefrerred to do it with oxygen acetylene with a large rosebud and stick solder or twisted solder. But job well done sir.
Nice clean joints! I think I use as much solder for 1/2" pipe as you do for 3"! 😂😂
We'll do a good tutorial on soldering.
HI Jim it was a nice to see some of what you do day to day big boiler what is the output ,what does it run on they were some castings ,Good Night .
Paul that is a natural gas boiler, around 1 million btu. That is actually a little guy compared to many I work on.
OMG a million BTUs i forgot you are blessed with natural gas,thanks
Ps isn't chemistry wonderful!
Sure is.
Nice to see some 3” work, I have never done anything larger than 1 1/2” in my work and tend to use ready soldered joints, only top them off if I don’t like the look of them ! I suppose you have to use the dreadful “lead free”solder like we do ?
Oh yes, lead free all the way.
Nice job! What kind of gas and torch did you use?
I used a b-tank with a #3 tip.
Barn work might be for the soul, but sweating copper is a more rare than common talent. I didn't know sectional boilers were still made. Was that one rebuilt? I tore a 1934 unit out of my house. It was about 325000BTU. Replaced it with one of those computerized condensing boxes @ 225000. Works fine but I hate the idea of the computer. No copper, all big threaded iron.
I am seeing more and more of the crimp on copper pipe joints on construction sites. Ive head that there is a much smaller failure rate with them. My thought as with the latest and greatest is it is taking skill sets away from the tradesmen and dollars in the pockets of the manufacturer. Whats your thought Jim?
I feel the same way, it's kind of like when they used to pour lead joints in dwv lines and that all went by the wayside when pvc became popular. I have seen plenty of crimp fittings fail.
what soldering tool do you use to solder larger than 2" copper pipe? any tip help. thank you
I use a B tank setup. A #5 tip works well for bigger copper.
Its good to see that you still wipe your joints. Lots of people leave the "bird crap" on the joints and that does NOT show craftsmanship. Those turbo torches are loud, but they do make short work out of soldering.
How many mounting ears have you had to repair when the new guys use too much force in joining boiler sections? That's always a major setback in time!
I've been lucky to not lose any, that would suck. Dry rag to wipe the joints is the only way to go.
I liked this one. In the beginning it looked like your were building a sideways Dagwood sandwich. Is the soldering video still in the works? I am OK with smaller pipe. I get into trouble when it comes to silver soldering. I have done it but in most cases it was not needed and so would love to get some pointers.
It is still in the works, I can do it anytime.
@@TheTradesmanChannel Cool.
What is the big white pipe the 3" copper goes into? Is that just some sort of insulation? (I know nothing).
That is insulation.
Easy
Sure enjoy it. Is this "regular" solder like in plumbing in a house, or did you use silver? I'm no expert at all.
Kind regards Christiaan
It was regular 95/5 solder like you use in your house. Silver bearing solder is normally used on refrigeration piping here.
@@TheTradesmanChannel Thank you.
Hey Jim, from someone who calls himself a "chippy " and spent many years as a general contractor, soldering many a mile of, upto 1 1/2", copper pipe, it's great to see your expertise on the large bore stuff. No wonder your " Homework" is so well done. No surprise either.
Good luck and continued success at home and at work. 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪
Thank you sir.
What’s a length of 3” copper goin for these days ?
I'm not sure but I would bet at least 8 a foot.
Resoldering of Copper water pipes in homes, is the hardest thing.
There is always some water, somewhere that seems to ruin the joint.
I know a trick I can show you.
@@TheTradesmanChannel THE BREAD (RYE) lol TRICK,,, THEN LEAVE THE KITCHEN STRAINER ON!!!!!!!!! HAVE YOUR WIFE TRY IT,,, AND FUCKIN RUN,,, OR THE BEST IS THE RUBBER BAND ON THE SPRAYER!!!!,,,, REALLY FING RUN THERE! WHITE BREAD ALSO WORKS,, WAITING FOR JIMBOS REMARK!!!!, Jack
I see you used bolts to put that boiler together.... I would used dovetails;) lol
What is this pipe size? Does this solder have any lead component?
That is 3" pipe with lead free solder.
How much solder do u use for 2 inch
About three inches
Some assembly required
I'm surprised your not using propress. Also looks like the t&p valve is missing from the water heater
We use propress plenty, I just don't care for it on hydronic systems. The p and t valve is on the water heater, it's piped on one of the sides. There's multiple ports to install the valve on.
@@TheTradesmanChannel Oh gotcha I don't work on heating. Something tells me luck wasn't the reason for no leaks, nice work can tell you've done that once or twice.
Maybe I have done it a few thousand times. Been at this trade for 15 years, it's funny going from the young guy to the tattered old journeyman!
You make my solder job look bad . if I don't have a half pound hanging off the pipe I don't think I have enough on it .
I'll do a how solder video soon.
I could use an expert how to solder video. Ive watched my father do it but i myself have never done it. Im not to shabby with the shark bites might I add!
You could be a car body leader as a second career!
You never know.
you should send this channel to mike rowe
I bet he gets a ton of that stuff daily.
Nice job soldering, but why in the world are you using copper on a steam boiler take off pipe?
It's not a steam boiler. It's a sectional hydronic cast boiler.
... Hi Jim.. i had a buddy who owned a metal spinning business ( pontoon boats mostly ) that spun me a spittoon outta some copper tubing then they had to solder a bottom on it... it leaked ; ).. so i thought about & decided to fix it myself... so i poured out most of the juice & packed the used plugs in the bottom ( i found an old ball bat, if i remember right ; ).. then took a torch around the outside ( 'bout 2 beers worth )... oops, forgot.. i shaved a candle ( wives have those ) down to coat the top of the plugs, set it down in my beer cooler & VIOLA... one leak free spittoon So, next time your boss sends ya out on a leaky boiler, just stick a plug of 5 Star Plug Tobacco in yer jaw & enjoy it along the way... Glad i could help ; )
Nice you wipe your joints a lot of guys just leave boogers hanging over filled joints look like shit great you take pride in your work keep it up
Thank you John.
What number welding used and past
95/5 solder and Nokorode flux
Thanks for you Help
I'm have once very smaller leaked very little and the pipe 4 inch I'm welding over tap is okay or need cute Completely
I have been there. Usually less aggravating to cut it out.
I can weld it without any problem I just have to sand it and clean it well ,What do you Recommend is not to drip water again if The leak is Just a Drop a bottle of water I filled every 4 days
Some of the stuff in your job could be really educational for viewers struggling with the likes of soldering ! 🏴🏴🏴🏴
I can do more if you guys want.
You should learn to solder Jim. Seriously, you are a lot better than me.
looks like you have sweated a copper pipe or two Jim.
Maybe a few over the years.
Oh if I could only sweat a copper pipe and have it look like yours would be so nice.
You can, I'll do a tutorial.
are you sure you weren't running the video backwards and actually taking the copper apart to sell as scrap...if you were buy a new rocker or make one with the money. :)))Scottie J
Another rocker comment. You yahoos are going to guilt me into that build.
Looked like you were working in someone else’s pit of despair 😂🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
I sure was Alex.
Id say you have some amount of burn marks on your hands with all that exposed skin
Not too many from burns, I've never been able to work with gloves. Over time you learn not to drip solder on your hands.
Jim,, never to turn down a job,, we did A LOT FOR STANLEY, WORKS, THE TOOL MAKERS,, AND HOW DO I PUT THIS,, THE ENTIRE CITY WORKED THERE,, A VERY POLISH COMMUNITY,, AND A BUDDY OF MINE WAS THE FOREMAN,,,SO 15 PEEPS STOOD AROUND,,THEY USED 6" COPPER FOR THERE POWER PLANTS,, AND THEY WOULD ASK ME HOW WE GOT THE SOLDER TO RUN UPHILL,, MY BUDDY USED TO TELL THEM WE TURNED THE BUILDING UPSIDE DOWN,,SO WE CAME UP WITH THE MAJIC ROLL OF SOLDER,,AND THE MAJIC WIPING RAG,,, HOPE SOME OF THE OLD TIMERS READ THIS,, BECAUSE WE USED TO SEND THEM TO MY SUPPLY HOUSE TO BUY THE MAJIC SOLDER,,,, BOY WE HAD FUN,, AND GOT CALLED EVERY NAME UNDER THE SUN,,, Jack