Soldering? Information needed.

[cdaigle430]

I would consider torch brazing(Oxy-acet) for this type of job as others have mentioned. Higher temps and faster, you can do one gutter joint in less than a minute. You even have a filler choice of Copper, Copper-silver and Copper-zinc (brass).

 

[jinman]

I remember using HCl to clean up the metal before soldering. We call it the chlorid acid. I hope the gutter supplier will carry at least some of the stuff I need.

Prokop, if you are using new copper guttering components, I cannot imagine your needing hydrochloric acid (HCl) to clean the joining surfaces. I would think the 50-50 solder along with a paste acid activated flux would be all you need. You might want to do mechanical cleaning. Very light removal of oxidation can be done with one of those white ink erasers, the ones with a small amount of abrasive, not the soft silicone rubber ones. Copper wets with solder around 500-525 F (260-275 C), so your torch will be much hotter than needed, but allow quick heating of larger areas.

 

[crash325]

I would consider torch brazing(Oxy-acet) for this type of job as others have mentioned. Higher temps and faster, you can do one gutter joint in less than a minute. You even have a filler choice of Copper, Copper-silver and Copper-zinc (brass).

For copper lead solder is the way to go. There is silver "Bearing" lead solder, mostly a waste of $$$
True silver solder not so hot on copper. Brass (Brazing) even a worse choice.

HCl is fine, but paste flux is even better. Seams need to be lapped and Sweat soldered. Once solder flows (From Metal Heat - not torch heat - Keep the solder out of the flame.) remove the heat source. For a clean joint hit it with a wire bush once heat is removed.

I work Cheap. :dance1:

 

[czechsonofagun]

Thanks guys! I will stop at the gutter local store and find out what they have and if they would even sell me what I need.

Here is Mikulas (St.Nikolas) church in Prague with copper roof, always liked the look of that.

 

[Soundguy]

one of the cities I work in does some brass and copper roof's looks nice..

 

[czechsonofagun]

Used plumbers torch with propane and it worked like a charm. The gutter is thin metalled, and does not take much to heat and than just regular flux and solder.

My wife is very happy about the gutter - told her it is flowers for her for many many years

 

[yomax4]

You can also buy solder ribbon or strips. You can slip a strip in the joint with flux, Heat and it flows and seals perfectly. Good luck.

 

[Soundguy]

Used plumbers torch with propane and it worked like a charm.

when you described the job, I knew that'd be an easy way to go.. etc.

 

[terraformer]

I would clean the gutters to shiny copper and use a propane torch. The most recent torch that I have works very well for that size. It has an auto start and lock on it.

If you tin the parts first with solder and then clamp the pieces together. Heat with the propane torch. It doesn't take much heat to melt solder.

My electronics background doesn't let me use acid core solder so I still use rosin core electrical grade solder for most anything.

I have a pencil iron that I used as an electronics tech with the ASA in the 70's and a few Weller guns that work up to about 14 gauge wire. Beyond that I get out my propane torch.

Edit.... oops looks like you got er done.

 

[jinman]

Prokop, I'm glad you got the gutter fixed and even more happy that you got an "attaboy" from your wife. You can never have too many of them.

BTW: Are you watching the Olympics? The Czech Beach Volleyball team sure gave our gals a surprise. I wouldn't be surprised to see them with Silver or Bronze. I think we'll repeat for Gold, but it probably won't be as easy as in the past.