How Professional Plumbers BRAZE COPPER LINES

How Professional Plumbers BRAZE COPPER LINES - Learning the BASICS of Plumbing
Since y’all liked the soldering video so much, we decided to show y’all how I braze copper lines. Brazing, like soldering, is one of those skills that scare a lot of new plumbers but once you get it down, it’s nothing to be scared of. Also, if you learn to braze copper lines really well, you’ll really stand out from the other plumbers at your company!
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Thanks for watching! I'm Roger Wakefield, The Expert Plumber, and welcome to my channel. On this channel, it's ALL about plumbing. We play games, we experiment, and we have FUN here, talking and learning about all things plumbing!
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[@RogerWakefield]

Do you think you're ready to braze copper now?

[@Cruiser052]

Hey Roger, I've been a plumber for about a decade. We typically don't do a lot of silver soldering on the plumbing side of the company I'm at. HVACR is constant. Every now and then we will do a 90 under slab if a print calls for a rigid copper main, we usually end up doing roll copper or a pvc main. I have ran across some soft copper silver soldered into a galv nipple on a service call. That was amusing. Got any tips on keeping roll copper round without fighting with it? I'm talking 2 to 4 inch here.

[@SuperDave-vj9en]

@Cruiser052 Use a swag for the right size copper tubing. Some are stepped for varying sizes, but round out the pipe for great soldering joints. Most plumbing supply houses carry them. 52 years in business this year!

[@Cruiser052]

@@SuperDave-vj9en lol. My locals don't carry 2-4 inch swage tools.

[@SuperDave-vj9en]

@Cruiser052 Order them! Time saved for trying to get large copper tubing round is well worth it. Better yet, have a machinist make you one for probably say a hundred bucks. You do know what kind of tool I’m talking about, right?

[@Cruiser052]

@@SuperDave-vj9en I do. I've swaged couplings into soft before but the only ones I was able to get were small sizes. I don't know why it never occurred to me to get big ones.

[@scottkanehl4524]

As a newly licensed residential plumber, I took a job with an independent engine testing facility as the plumbing department. This facility had never had a plumber, even through a lot of expansion, yet the plumbing demands have been pretty enormous. My first year I had to renovate a 250,000 square ft. facility to accommodate 10 engine test cells, as well as change multiple bathrooms, and kitchens. I've had to figure out, on my own, everything from brazing giant heat exchanger coils, to 3" high pressure gas lines, to industrial RO systems, to 12" underground cpvc drainage systems, to multi-million dollar home builds, to 1000' 8" insulated, chilled water lines, hung 25' above the floor. All of this almost totally by myself. I wish I had access to this channel 10 years ago. My stress level would have been much lower. I still learn something every time I watch.

[@BridgeWater94]

Your story kind of reminds me of what I’m going through right now. Except I’m a total noob/apprentice. A company hired me as a hvac tech fresh out of trade school. I’m the only tech there and have no one to teach me questions I have in the field. Just resorting to figuring everything out on my own. It can be daunting at times but I told them I’m very new to all this. Been working 4 months so far.

[@WhitePony556]

@@BridgeWater94How’s it going a month later, you still hanging in there? I’m still in trade school learning, pretty nervous too if I’m honest.

[@waltermartin8570]

@@BridgeWater94 Dude find another company that's kinda messed up

[@jb-ik8sj]

Me too. As a boomer, I had to read everything 2 times. Somethings 3 or 4 times. Nothing like someone with an example

[@SirPokemonX]

@@BridgeWater94 what helped my stress in the plumbing field being a solo tech that’s still fairly new is that they can’t be mad about you not knowing how to do something if you’ve never done it before. Hope that helps man

[@ghettocereal]

As an HVAC installer this was a little painful. That’s a lot of braze

[@coreymadden3650]

Thank god someone said it

[@knuckledragger2412]

For sure, nuked to death...

[@ImTrans-Former]

RIGHT!!!! I would NEVER use Braising rod on a water line either.

[@scottschofield9459]

I think he was a drain specialist, but needed to make a video about every category possible ti get $

[@DamonW95]

There's like 5psi in a water line, why would he need to cap it that much, a collar would do more than well enough on a water line. Edit: I obviously know its much higher, but compared to 400 psi that R-410a has its VERY little.

[@jasonspencer6990]

“As you can see we started out with safety in mind” Proceeds to solder with Rubber gloves on. 👍🏻

[@nofatchicks2315]

Kinda needs a helmet doesn't he

[@cristianramos6480]

I flick solder drips with rubber gloves lol. It doesn't burn

[@nightowlarchive]

@@cristianramos6480 The issue is, if the gloves do melt it sticks to your skin, and turns a simple burn to a patch of missing skin.

[@elmono3939]

LOL... True !

[@shawnkiesel5349]

Ha

[@rasolante]

Legend has it, if you listen to the wind, you can hear him adding sil-fos to this day.

[@mynameisray]

Always be sure to braze with rubber gloves, this way if you burn yourself the rubber melts into your skin and has to be removed by the doctors...

[@michaelstrong1662]

Funny stuff

[@antoniomercado6914]

Lol

[@abelbatz]

🥵😂

[@jeremyfink537]

🤣

[@jamesaldrich9238]

RIGHT

[@christianitis]

6:16 Whoahhhh there Roger, settle down now

[@craigjism]

Lol...it took me a minute to catch on to your time mark

[@kristianduran95]

This made me laugh more than it should of lol

[@kerem121]

loooooooooooool

[@Povoheroico]

He likes to heat his pipe so you guys can feel the penetration. 😂

[@br1_ttv696]

2020 and I'm listening to plumbing asmr and learning about something that might be useful later. God I love the internet and this video.

[@asphalt-cowboy9479]

Right. Ive only done plumbing work a dozen or so times in my life and really dont even like it but I love watching/listening to this dude.. he looks like hed be a gruff, rough around the edges type guy but he's the exact opposite.

[@kipbush5887]

@@asphalt-cowboy9479 full penetration

[@boma2484]

Now actually try it

[@supermegadong7597]

Lol you would never need to do this unless you were working on your HVAC system and even then I wouldn’t recommend it if you don’t know what you are doing

[@nicholaspike6933]

@@supermegadong7597 buddy plumbers weld to go take a look at ur water heater bub

[@cdccorp1]

If he reemed that pipe anylonger I was gonna shoot myself lol

[@justbeingreal5839]

"How not to waste silver solder at all" Goes through 2 rods lol

[@joshelliott1826]

Lol. The trick was soldering the shot piece to the long piece. Otherwise, you'd have to throw the short piece away because of being too close to the heat

[@chrisshih5780]

He went through 1 rod, the other rod is still new.

[@captainchaos3053]

I would hate to see this guy do thin wall pipe!

[@ECarbonFiber]

I replaced a compressor and added and a suction line filter using one rod and still had some left over. But for fire suppression, I can understand.

[@rpatrick2]

@@joshelliott1826 needle nose pliers or a roach clip. :P

[@JurassicJolts]

If you're brazing refrigerant lines make sure those shavings don't stay inside the lines

[@gpweaver]

And if it's a modern HFC or HFO, for christ's sake, FLOW NITROGEN WHILE BRAZING! The number of wrecked TXVs and filters due to lazy installers not flowing nitrogen is outrageous.

[@coolbeans2258]

Greg Weaver yeah we always nitrogen test the line set after we braze

[@Clamjammer]

Cool Beans make sure you flow nitrogen while brazing. Every,damn,time

[@jinjikisano179]

As not a plumber I must ask, why nitrogen test it?

[@Jay-pu6cu]

@@jinjikisano179 in hvac you need to have a sealed system so you used nitrogen to make sure there is no leaks and you flow nitrogen while brazing to keep the inside of the pipes nice and shinny clean

[@joshsalmons1]

The only issue I have is the gloves. As a welder, those gloves drive me crazy. If your going to be brazing or working with hot metals, DONT wear rubber gloves. Use leather gloves or no gloves at all. That rubber glove or if your wearing like mechanix gloves they will melt to your skin.

[@user-bl4oq7fd8d]

Which kinda makes you a cyborg! Rubber skin gives you extra protection xD

[@user-bl4oq7fd8d]

@Mad Bro? I know, it melts into your skin and your skin is now reinforced with plastic xD

[@jackyboyslim1379]

Never where any gloves when I braze and where those big leather welding gloves when I weld.

[@joshsalmons1]

I mean, no gloves are better than rubber gloves. Lol

[@Cokbot]

Mad Bro? How could you not tell he was joking

[@knight1591]

i think this guy actually a boxer he does pluming just for fun

[@bigdaddypatty2420]

That's actually me lol

[@knight1591]

@Meniacal Jedi whaaaat ?? is teacher watching him too !!!!

[@sentient_cumsock]

@Meniacal Jedi bro might be learning English. Bring people up not down

[@sentient_cumsock]

@Meniacal Jedi yeah I'm fully aware of what a funny joke is

[@gemini6103]

Fr

[@marilyn.b.botanical]

Putting a small bend at the end of the silver helped me today! Underneath an apartment complex. The last coupling was inches away from the 4in main. Praise God for a great video Was a great day! Thank you Roger! (Posting from Wife’s account)

[@pmag3200]

I would have liked to see you cut the pipe just before the fitting so we can see what the puddle inside look like from the silver solder

[@DrFade-ji5ol]

For real

[@jetrep]

I came here to say the same thing... that sure seems like a lot of solder.

[@ashleyhodder3242]

Its grazing rod not silver solder. You need flux for silver solder.

[@ashleyhodder3242]

Brazing. 🤣

[@captainchaos3053]

@@ashleyhodder3242 No brazing requires a brass filler rod. And both go better with flux.

[@dfloyd64]

Love how you explain what you are doing & why doing it. I love overkill myself. Just over 4 years after my a/c unit installed, had to have solder joints redone & unit recharged, so can’t underestimate poor skills & or lack of solder. Suggest getting copper tool spreader to enable one pipe to slip over the other to eliminate the slip joint & guarantee will cut your solder usage in half.

[@donaldlove4547]

If my boss EVER caught me using that much solder on ONE joint, and leaving big boogers like that, I’d probably lose my job.

[@jessecriddle8644]

Not after it cost him a million dollar in damages on a casino for a line blowing out because you tryed making a pretty solder jout that won't hold

[@gabriellencarnacion3310]

@@jessecriddle8644 lol seriously i do med gas i rather go a little extra than try and use minimal silver.. nothing worse than trying to find a pin hole leak somewhere.

[@alenpete8480]

@@gabriellencarnacion3310 Using excessive solders, while being non-harmful in most cases, has no much benefit. The thing that prevents leakages is the tin between the two layers of coppers, not the one outside.

[@alenpete8480]

he needed to do so, because he did not use enough fluid at all.

[@delbertcrawford3110]

Right on Don

[@markallan9050]

No such thing as being "bad at overcleaning copper" cleanliness is essential for brazing or soft soldering. Awesome video! Keep up the good work

[@ryanforeman2581]

You make great videos. I was a refrigeration technician, we run nitrogen through the pipe while we braze to displace the oxygen and prevent carbon from building up on the inside. Good job not putting water on it though.

[@UrbanLegend911]

Aren't you suppose to put a wet rag on it to cool the pipe after its brazed

[@ryanforeman2581]

@@UrbanLegend911 cooling it too fast can cause it to crack. They teach you not to in refrigeration school.

[@libertyrich555]

They taught us in college TO quench it. @@ryanforeman2581

[@Goobermint]

@@UrbanLegend911the comment from a yr ago >

[@QK97749]

I watch these videos and I have to manage my own expectations. Brother you make this INCREDIBLY easy. I will be exiting the military soon and looking for a career as a plumber. I’m prayerful that when I get to my apprenticeship I can find someone who is a great teacher you. I appreciate these videos and it gives me encouragement as to what I will be doing after I’m done serving my country!

[@alejo8691]

Thanks Roger, you just remember me about my father in the past, when he uses to do it while being young in Bogotá, Colombia. It would be enough strong and clean!

[@Samsonite0423]

I was taught to heat both pipe and fitting to cherry red. Then follow it around as feeding in the braze rod. I have gotten my med gas cert and brazing cert . Would be nice to have cut in half and showed the penatration. I feel possible that the rod didn't fully get to the correct depth because the pipe was cooling it . Love the shows

[@mrrickeybobby100]

You are 100% correct! 8 years med gas certified as well. This video was hard to watch because the entire time I was screaming "heat your pipe!" And "push your rod in!"

[@jl-dc6dt]

I agree. Cut it open and hammer it on the bench .

[@gregabrams5792]

Do either of you guys have KZbin channels or videos on med gas you would recommend? I am a few months from getting my journeyman license in oklahoma and I want to do med gas😊

[@maxkarlsson7326]

Ive been working as a plumber for 10+ years in Sweden, and Ive brazed a lot. Generally we didnt clean the pipes or fittings if we used new material, but always if we were to braze on an old pipe. Over here everyone use acetylen/oxygen gas welds for brazing. And I cant remember that weve done any soldering at all except for in training in plumber school.

[@SovereignTroll]

If you cut pipe important to debur inside to defeat turbulence and resultant pinhole erosion.

[@maegganv]

0:57-1:57 is the most awkward minute of my life.

[@Ventura727]

Lmao thats exactly what I was thinking as I was watching. I felt like I needed to say something to break the awkwardness 😂

[@jds1906]

that was a hint as to he has no clue...15 minutes later 1 joint complete, 2 sticks of solder and 1/2 a B-bottle of gas

[@marchoward4302]

I heard the hell out of that! It was damn near almost torture!

[@travisevans2549]

😅

[@samuelthompson8009]

How this channel only has 41.4K subscribers [right now] is anyone's guess. These vids have not only helped me fix my own toilet, but I now understand BOTH "how" and "why" certain things fail/break. There's no unnecessary "fluff" (sound effects, transitions, awkward camera cuts, etc.). I feel like this will be one of the "big ones" once the popularity of trade jobs skyrockets - you can already see the uptick in TV, newspapers, online articles, etc. I guessed right with "Scott the Woz", "Brandon Rogers", "Game Sack", and others. This has just enough production value to be taken seriously, but not so much so that it feels corporate (if that makes sense). Thanks for the great content!

[@ldero9520]

Well, he has already TOO many followers according to me. This guy DOESN T how to braze. I m an hvac teacher in Montreal and I teach my students how to braze. 99% of them are 10 times better then him just after 15 min of training....He s just clown who wants attention...!

[@artemis8603]

I’m an HVAC mechanic from CT and I do a lot of brazing but even I learned something from this video thank you for posting these .... PS I would have melted of the braze drips but like he said u don’t like to waste braze cause it’s expensive

[@cjrouse9508]

Cool video, I was an i industrial hand brazer for years. Over 1 million joints brazed. You are the only video I've come across that doesn't freak out and overuse flux. We always used a small % silfos and no flux, never had any issues. Only used flux for copper to steel. Very cool mention of the T-drill we made hundreds of manifolds a day using that tool. I was in school at the time for chemical engineering and If you would be interested I could share some of my work on how to create the strongest braze joints.

[@KristoferGenevski]

We work refrigeraton and damn dude you went a little overboard with the silver solder 🤣

[@merchandise5825]

damn that was a lot of solder

[@captainchaos3053]

Yeah, too much an end up inside the pipe and contamination is never good.

[@johnathonlevesque3784]

And a ton of heat too. The first few seconds of discolor is what I let my pipe get to but this guy, holy. The amount of solder and heat annoys me a li... actually a good amount. The next if needed be repair here would need to cut the pipe out.

[@borntwice4724]

Solder over kill.

[@drewby440]

I can do a whole split system install with a single rod

[@Drewdayz2419]

But it is capped, that where it all went. Young guys don't see the old ways of doing it

[@noahruiz39]

The way he suggested and put his opinion in a prideful way I knew this guy was experienced and the way he connected the second silver to the piece

[@servingitupwithchoochoo1475]

Man I appreciate your videos I'm. A student in plumbing class and I find your videos encouraging and inspiring and I showed my teacher some of your videos and he said I really like this guy so we now use your videos in our class rhankyou....you're awesome

[@andriyshapovalov8886]

Welder here. Honestly this guy doesn't really know what he is doing....

[@thecarterkid7423]

@@andriyshapovalov8886 because plumbers rarely braze anymore. We actually solder more often. At least in Massachusetts that is

[@Jay-pu6cu]

Watching this after i had a brazing and soft solder test at school for hvac. Had no leaks!

[@leeroynicoson5196]

Thank you Roger for all your videos you have posted. I work for a large mechanical contractor here in Texas and trying to instill safety and craftsmanship has been a struggle. I like how you include both.

[@RogerWakefield]

You are very welcome

[@Stuart68505]

If this was for a refrigeration system of an air conditioning system, they would use a special flow regulator to have nitrogen flowing at about 3 cfm through the copper tubing to prevent flakes from building up on the inside due to the high temperature. These flakes could interfere with the system performance.

[@Stuart68505]

Your holder for the copper pipes was a good idea. I wanted a closer look on what you used to make it. The video was helpful and it showed how the copper needed to just turn red for the silver solder to flow well.

[@mrrickeybobby100]

The same for Med Gas systems as well, but about 15-20 CFM

[@Jrez]

I guess plumbers may call that little tool a reamer, but in other trades like machining reamers are something quite different, used to accurately form a hole to the right size or shape. while that looks like a deburring tool for removing sharp burrs from the cutting process. Also that joining trick to not waste filler metal is slick, and is something I use a lot as a welder as GTAW filler metal is also in rod form like that. It's the way I learned and I like saving the pennies.

[@enriquerendon3869]

Thank you Roger, I’m a plumbing contractor from San Pedro California and I love your videos. They’re very educational 👌👍

[@Misguidedchild0351]

Im from Lomita….. he doesn’t use flux…. And he over heats the copper. Other than that, it’s fun to watch.

[@zone07]

I always use some Stay-Silv even on clean copper to copper. It does allow for a smoother flow and quicker job; specially needed when brazing 1/4in pipe.

[@aprillawless4746]

I'm learning in welding class to braze pipe with oxy fuel torch and a braze r45 tig wire it's hard but, love it

[@caleba9761]

This man is clearly a great teacher because he manages to keep you captivated throughout his entire demonstration maintaining a strong level of entertainment all while repeating steps... the repetition takes talent to get across without becoming monotonous. Ty for sharing your talent sir.

[@ldero9520]

What.....

[@robertnelson4755]

How can you tell how much solder ran into the pipe reducing the inside of the pipe with a pile of solder? I would love to see that joint cut in 1/2 lengthwise

[@sidallen685]

I agree silver solder is the way to go , I’ve worked on transport refrigeration for 20 years, silver solder is all we used because of the vibration from the diesel engine and the high refrigerant gas pressures and temperatures, but for regular projects 95/5 is great.

[@levinlevinallday]

Watching KZbin plumbers makes me feel good about myself. Thanks for the ego boost.

[@likelytree]

Hahahah I know same here..

[@shineperishingrepublic]

The technique in the middle of brazing the right side where you stuck the solder up and melted a new stick to it instead of just grabbing another stick..... amazing. To me that was where your experience and wisdom were doubly apparent. I love learning from this channel. Thank you Roger.

[@evanbowser6571]

Me personally, as an HVAC/R technician, I feel that is a lot of braze. Usually, when I braze, it's for refrigeration lines. So time on the pipe, amount of braze, and heat is critical. (Flowing nitrogen helps as well.) I typically don't "paint" the joint. I will have the heat pull it in at a 45 degree angle. Once it has filled my gap, pull the heat off as you round the fitting to make a crown. Still a great video! Even though I am a HVAC guy, I love your videos. Some of your pipe techniques have helped me make some radiant heat jobs look superb!

[@chavomoore5363]

Thx a lot sir. I’m going school to be a hvac technician here in Houston. This video help me out a lot today. I got class in a few. On this. Subject thank you

[@mattlent1741]

Cool vid Roger, always been wondering about silv soldering, haven’t got that far in my career yet to learn and do it but a few years and I will be going for my med gas ticket here in Canada, good job this far on the channel to brother let the haters hate at the end of the day there just jealous you can do what they can’t!!

[@IcyJewels1]

Just learned something new. Didn’t know you could do that I’ve only solder pipes with flux. Never done brazing 😳

[@Madtv50]

I’m going to school for hvac and you’re a really good teacher I just wish you taught hvac love the video though helped me understand more about brazing because before today I didn’t really know what it was

[@rosegun9691]

I love watching your videos just before bed , it relaxs me and i genuinely enjoy it

[@zachary6313]

I have learned so much from your videos and I've been plumbing for almost 5 years. Just absolutely amazed by your skill and knowledge that's forsure. I'd love to chat with you and learn more off you because you are the man! Love your videos, you're truly my inspiration Roger!!!

[@RogerWakefield]

Thank you so much. Greatly appreciated!!!

[@zachary6313]

@RogerWakefield I actually started my own KZbin account because of you. You're such an inspiration and have been do detrimental to me career it's unbelievable! Thank you so much for everything you do and if you were need a video to feature, I got a few gross ones lol.

[@boby115]

Nice video Roger, but I would like to go over some things not mentioned.#1 brazing is a technique acquired from practice and constant use ( brazing everyday). No offense Roger but it is hard going back and forth from soft solder ( the main bread-and-butter for plumbers) to brazing ( infrequently used by plumbers) and I could tell by your brazing technique this is something you probably rarely do anymore ( no offense, it just means you're out of practice). I can guarantee you, if you made this video after coming off a one month Med gas project, your technique, comfort level at brazing and the joints themselves would be night and day.#2 let's mention some things copper brazing is used for ( Med gas lines, gas lines=natural gas and propane, refrigerant lines , chemical lines & underground water lines) can anyone list some more? #3 this is the 21st century, we should be introducing nitrogen to these lines anytime cleanliness & inside corrosion may become an issue ( so let's say 90% of the time) . The introduction of nitrogen when brazing Med gas lines and refrigeration lines should be mandatory. I like to hear the thoughts of other plumbers and pipefitters out there on this subject.Roger keep the videos coming, you provide a great platform for conversation & education ( we can all learn from one another & Lord knows none of us are perfect).

[@SuperDave-vj9en]

@HonestLiberty Evidently, you don’t know the difference between solder and silver solder. Those two are apples and oranges! The technique for silver soldering a copper pipe is completely different than a typical solder joint. Pay attention, son, you should have learned that before you got your contractors license!

[@herardoreyes8172]

@@SuperDave-vj9en lol since you are an expert why dont you make a video on how to do it the right way.

[@SuperDave-vj9en]

@Herardo Reyes Why should I make a video on brazing copper pipe when you just saw it in the video. Little boy...... I have 52 years of successful experience. Probably been doing plumbing longer than you have been alive!!!

[@micahhill4786]

Jacob Monnin there some silver solder that comes in a box with a ring of loops of silver solder instead of the stick. I’m a cryogenic tech and we used that type of silver solder. We do use the sticks for oxygen hospitals gas use line for the hyperbaric chamber system.

[@BenjaminBennett]

Problem is the US is behind the times. Using a flange pipe tool and making thread connection is the only real way to prevent impurities from getting in the line. Multiple research studies of AC failures have shown that primary cause of compressor failures are impurities in the line. Most countries are moving away from brazing on lines.

[@TheEmeraldNight]

I have never capped a fitting but will be from now on. Thank you.

[@tremainspodnik4195]

Thanks for showing me I will use your style of doing it

[@dancs5414]

Years ago. I was a plumbers assistant. His journeyman was brazing an a/c line in an attic. Next thing ya know. Fire department shows up.

[@syreplays5079]

You should never wear latex or nitrile gloves when dealing with extreme heats or extreme colds.

[@aaronrodden8121]

My melted rubber gloves on my skin brings all the doctors to the yard and they're like, your skin is charred I'll fix it but I have to charge🤣🤣🤣

[@matthewbusch7963]

I have learned a lot from your videos. Thank you.

[@jalenmcgee2901]

I’m actually a certified brazer in a manufacturer. I braze Hair Pens on Condenser coils for 25Ton commercial units. I use a Y tip and it’s the best this to use when brazing. Heats both sides of the pipe and can have beautiful professional looking brazes. I could braze what you did in the matter of 20 seconds. But very educational video

[@GD-qu9hr]

Ive been a plumber here in the uk for many years and i think that is the worst joint ive ever seen, wow

[@pingpong9656]

Do they have a Y tip for a acetylene air turbo torch?

[@tylernewsome217]

This channel is the best for plumbing info. Here in Kentucky if we use a T puller inspectors want us to silver solder that joint. I’ve done this a lot, I work on commercial buildings

[@SEaudiofan]

I silver brazed copper, brass and stainless steel for 30 years. The 1st job was radiation therapy equipment, the 2nd was for aircraft sunvisor mounts. I used a t-drill a lot in the 1st job. In both applications we used Harris, white paste flux and 45-55% silver rod, 1/32-1/16" diameter. I used a bit cooler flame, heating the socket primarily, in order that capillary action would fill the joint 1st. When I knew (by experience) the joint was full, I would stop and let it cool, quite a bit before moving it. We used jigs and fixtures whenever possible. If it was desired to have a nice fillet visible, I would clean the joint well then reflux and heat primarily the tube then let it flow around it. We dressed the joints down with files, sandpaper and polishing wheels til they looked really nice. Getting the t-drill lube cleaned thoroughly out of the socket was usually a bit of a challenge.

[@SEaudiofan]

Another thing I recall, a "cap" could hide a socket that wasn't filled, to the point of leaking under pressure. A small fillet, or none, would show a full circumference filled. Also, I believe I tended to avoid applying flame to the actual area where the rod would enter the joint, as it's possible to burn the flux, and then it will fail to flow the filler in that spot

[@haroldwestrich3312]

Thank you, very helpful: Like you said early in the video - Most applications will not need so much solder (cap) Rubber gloves can melt, I would use leather or no gloves.

[@Texas_krazy]

I was taught to braze today after working 2 years with my current company and I realized that none of my superiors, that teach me, have ever cleaned a braze joint unless they thought it was meant to be soldered.

[@mikemorgan5015]

That's because it's usually not required for brazing. However, the job spec may call for cleaning, and in some cases fluxing as well. Soft soldering is a different animal that requires pristine copper for the solder to take.

[@christophercasanova9335]

Thanks @Rogerwakefield i feel like as a homeowner i can now fix my copper water lines under my slab because of your video

[@jacobkindsvatter4055]

Thats really interesting roger, ive been working for a plumbing company for 4 years now, and im about to get my journeymens license, i think i might just go ask my boss if he would let me try doing this at the shop some time so i can learn myself

[@BlueCollarBoom]

15 minute video & you spent about 11 minutes reaming 🤣 (there's no pleasing some people)!

[@zachary6313]

Could you show us some med gas brazing? With the purge gas and all? That would be super awesome to learn from you!!! Love your videos Roger!!!

[@Ohgrow]

Med gas shall only be installed by a licensed med gas installer. DIY's should sit it out when lives are on the line

[@zachary6313]

@@Ohgrow yeah this comment was 2 years ago brotha. I'm med gas certified now.

[@DoesTheNetWork]

Im learning from my brother who is a Plumber in NYC and needs a specific Med-Gas certification and from what he has told me is that the cleaning before you braze shouldnt go to far passed the end of the pipe because there is a protective coating on the outside of the pipe that helps prevent oxidation. In that case cleaning the coupling (on the outside) after would also remove that oxidation prevention layer.

[@birdshitsmallchange9840]

These hands on videos are GOLD thank you

[@prophetoftears]

I don't know about the solder, but I do know that rapidly cooling copper actually makes it softer and less brittle. Letting it cool slowly is how you harden copper. That's why it took so long between the Copper Age and the Iron age, even though iron is more abundant, working the two materials was basically the opposite. Learned that from black smithing.

[@hotbam37]

good to know, thanks

[@elainerussell924]

Wow this video showed me how not to braze thanks roger

[@alexjackson1270]

That's why people tend to stay away from shocking it right after u burn. But in some cases I will.

[@mikemorgan5015]

Not really. Copper won't harden when quenched or air cooled. Copper "work hardens", like by bending, hammering, drop forging, etc. Try it. Heat up some copper and quench some and air cool some. Both will be dead soft. Now bend it back and forth. The original bend area will harden and a new bend area will be created. The same area won't keep bending until it breaks like iron or mild steel. Now heat the hardened area and it's annealed dead soft again and ready to bend once more. You can heat, pound, heat, pound repeat over and over and make copper foil if you like. But if you pound too much without annealing again, it'll crack.

[@ksyprr]

You braze the pipes just like how you braze refrigeration pips

[@anonsoc4421]

I don't build my caps quite as big as you but I do concur in that I add enough silfos that there's a gradual transition to reduce stress. And 1000% agree on not shock cooling the copper with a wet rag. I've seen people do it, I've done it on occasion but my instincts pump the brakes on it.

[@byOldHand]

Thank you for sharing your precious information with us. Great video 👏🏻👍🏻⚙️🛠⭐️

[@isaacpillay1411]

Hi Pls tell me can i Sliver soilder 4"inch high pressure pipes" is it good, will it be strong 15bars pressure

[@dagmont4605]

Wow, this was the definition of how not to braze.

[@joshfeister6566]

I'm new but that seems excessive and excessive amount of heat to the copper pipe ..maybe I'm wrong but damn lol

[@andrewgilbert4845]

Not really u need the copper to turn red hot for the brazing rod to melt

[@jordansantanen4144]

Silver soldering requires alot more heat. The silver solder has a higher melting point and you have to get it very hot to suck It in. Roger is a professional and it's obvious

[@thomasbarnett6197]

Cherry red bro

[@nathanbates9561]

@phillip miller Propane for brazing? Never. Those must be some really small lines you're referring to.

[@stevenhendricks7461]

This helped me to know I have been doing most things correct. It also helped me to see what I need help with thank you for making this video.

[@RogerWakefield]

Anytime! What part did you need help with?

[@jeremyhanna3852]

I taught myself how to soilder copper water pipes on my house and my first few attempts would leak and then I figured out u got to heat all the way around then go to one side and melt soilder on oppsite side to let it draw to the flame i never realized thats how it worked till you said it

[@nickgalaini4152]

Honestly, I think ear protection is pretty important. I install HVAC systems and don’t recommend gloves that could melt onto your skin(I don’t wear gloves when brazing). I also thought this took quite a bit longer than needed. I’d have had the pipes cooled and ready to pop the schrader valves back in.

[@a.howardsmith3243]

Give him a break. Training videos always make you squirm.

[@Chilldil86]

​@@a.howardsmith3243 if you're doing a training vid for others, don't wear gloves that will melt to your hand.

[@55metalmonkey]

As an HVACr tech this made me cry a bit.

[@Stuart68505]

If this was done on an air conditioning system or on refrigeration tubing it would require having a small flow of nitrogen in the line to keep from creating black flakes inside the tubing where the brazing is being done. Helpful concepts thank you. You could have specified what you trick is but it seemed to be creating a “cap” all around the tubing. I like the reamers that have a cone internally and an outward cone. In refrigeration it would be important not to leave the chips from reaming in the tubing as they could cause problems in the system & plug up filters at an expansion valve for example.

[@petemartin4300]

That's an excellent instructional video thank you

[@davidg5629]

Zen meditation and pipe reaming will get you to the same place.

[@boilerman6978]

If I did that for my exam, I would have gotten a low geade

[@jds1906]

I would have failed him just for the rubber gloves, never mind the 1 minute to deburr a pipe , 2 sticks of silver solder and a 1/2 a bottle of gas and most importantly the Hulk Hogan mustache, lol

[@MasterofNone365]

Great video! I noticed the digital subscriber counter in the back saying you were at 40k 2 years ago and today you're over 10x. That's amazing man. Thanks for the content!

[@robertramos8393]

I need a refresher's course in brazing copper and this was it! Thank you Mr. Wakefield.

[@RogerWakefield]

Happy to help

[@jerome0071]

I am learning how americans do it here😜 greetings by a future plumber from switzerland😆

[@MagicDoughnut]

Basically don't do what he did.

[@ricardolemus1967]

Boy you been out the game to long I would have had the thing brazed and running by the time u fully reamed it 😂😂 jk love the content 🤟❤️

[@vanhalenman60]

after years and years i have finally found one single thing that i am better at than roger wakefield so far.

[@jamesyarbrough4777]

I'm an hvac/plumbing tech. I braze daily. oxy/act will help alot! you were running it in cold and it's possible you didn't get full penetration on your first pass. I like the cap idea. alot of ac guys just do a cap and call it good. lol but it is extra protection

[@danmidtdal4358]

I would like to see the joint cut apart and examined under a microscope and discussed.

[@cameronbrantley8003]

Hi I’m a third generation in plumbing. I’m 25 years of age my father and grandfather were master plumbers. I grew up calling this sweating. “Go sweat that coupling in”

[@cameronbrantley8003]

And also I always flux up my pipe and fittings so it pulls the solder in better

[@ashleyhodder3242]

Are you sure your grandad and father weren't baters

[@cameronbrantley8003]

Ashley Hodder Sooooo funny 😒

[@erikrfletcher]

Sweating refers to soldering.

[@cameronbrantley8003]

Did he use solder? Yes. You call it what you want. Every plumber has their own lingo.

[@kevinreynolds7418]

I like how all the HVAC guys keep chiming in, like they're the only guys that know how to do this properly. They're so proud of themselves. It's cute

[@irishmike4914]

Well to be honest ac guys do most of the brazing. Up to 300 psi plumbers use silver Brite for the most part. At least in my plant

[@kevinreynolds7418]

@@irishmike4914 True. Here in Australia plumbers are required to silver braze all capillary joints in copper, even for drainage pipes. It always seems strange to me seeing foreigners using those rolls of solder. What sort of plant do you work at?

[@irishmike4914]

@@kevinreynolds7418 Two completely ends of the spectrum, overseeing the upgrade of a very high pressure steam GMP bio-pharmaceutical facility and chief engineer of NJ's largest museum.

[@kevinreynolds7418]

@@irishmike4914 Cool. Sounds interesting. You must be a very busy man. I hope the upgrade goes well for you.

[@ronaldraygun2639]

Stfu

[@AustinJones330]

So I part of a plumbers and pipe fitters union. A bit ago we had a spokesperson for a copper manufacturing company who held a conference for how to properly braze and solder. One thing they taught us was to never melt two pieces of braze rod together because it actually weakens the rod itself. Lowering the tensile strength

[@RSole9999]

As someone else mentioned, quenching hot copper with water makes it soft, nice if you need a slight bend in hard pipe. But as Roger said, quenching a joint may cause a crack in the joint.

[@moisty254]

I'm glad he didn't stare meaningfully into the camera while he was reeming that pipe 😂

[@traviskrebs7551]

we all are

[@JurassicJolts]

That stick combining tip is so awesome

[@wargamingsupernoob]

Same thing works if you are oxyfuel welding. heat both tips up and they fuse together. Overlapping is the best so you don't burn through one rod and have to push them together and get a big glob where they joined.

[@RaviPatel-ex8er]

Back in the day for years all I did was fit and braze copper. Used to do market refrigeration. It's used in that industry alot

[@potomastercam609]

Not bad for a plumber, I'm a hvac tech myself i personally prefer oxy acetylene to the btank I find you get more heat control which can help prevent the blow outs in the silflos. Have you ever tried some of the other types orange stick flows like standard plumbing solder but has a higher strength for high pressure, temperature and vibration.

12:54 Heh

[@meshachg4502]

I was waiting for the pipe to just turn into ash already...

[@oldironsides3992]

Totally using the trick to utilize all of the sillfoss

[@treycamp2657]

Thanks, it would be useful to explain the different type of "solder" to use, for beginners that don't know much about the various types, or what to look for when buying the correct solder for a particular joint.