Can you sweat copper with MAPP gas?

When sweating or soldering copper pipe, we’ve been asked about using either propane or MAP gas. In truth, both types of fuel will get the job done.

What kind of torch Do I need to sweat copper?





The torch needed for soldering copper can be propane or MAPP gas (methylacetylene-propadiene propane). MAPP gas comes in a yellow tank and propane comes in a blue tank. MAPP gas, usually a bit more expensive, gets much hotter than propane, so heats the pipe faster.

Can you solder with MAPP gas?

MAPP gas torches burn hotter than propane, making them a better choice for modern solder. Five to 10 seconds of heating with a MAPP gas torch is all that’s required before you can feed solder into most 1/2- to 3/4-in.

Does MAPP gas braze copper?

We use MAPP gas with a shield attached it is quite good up to 7/8 copper tube only and the braze joint needs to be away from any large mass of metal as the heat can be drawn away just as fast as you apply it.

What is the best flux for copper?

You may find two or three kinds of flux on the shelf. We recommend tinning flux. It contains a bit of powdered metal alloy that is similar to solder. The alloy melts and coats the inside of the joint and helps ensure a solder joint that’s completely filled and leakproof.

What kind of solder do you use for copper pipes?





Types of Solder



Buy lead-free solder that’s designed for copper water pipes; you’ll find it in the plumbing section of the store. Solder with lead is still available, but the lead can leach into your water supply, so don’t use it.

Why did they stop making MAPP gas?

It is no longer used much in any large-scale industry – for larger scale users acetylene/oxygen is more economic than MAPP/oxygen when high flame temperatures are needed, and propane/air is more economic when big overall heating is needed.

Is MAP gas hot enough to braze?

It depends on the size of the weldment and the torch. It should be OK for small stuff like brazing on a nut or a tab. Some of the newer “turbo” or “swirl” type torches are quite a bit hotter than the old style.

Can you braze line sets with MAPP gas?

Mapp gas works fine on small lines like 3/8 ” and as long as you’re not in a spot where heating for an extended period of time will cause a problem it works O.K. on bigger lines like 5/8″ and 3/4″. I’ve sweat in plenty of condenser units with Mapp gas when I didn’t have an acetylene or oxy/acet torch available.

Can you braze with map Pro?



The Brazing Torch offers an adjustable precision flame and combines MAP-Pro and Oxygen for superior heat output.

How do you braze copper?

Brazing is done by heating the copper, then running a layer of constantan (a type of metal with high thermal conductivity and low electrical resistivity) on top. If you line up the two pieces correctly, they will fuse when heated to 250°C.

How do you braze copper like a pro?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The only thing that you might need a flex part is if you're going to brass if you're going to a dis somewhere metal what we've looking at here is copper to copper.

Can I braze copper with a propane torch?



You can use a propane torch to braze most metals you want to join. Propane torches are widely available in your local hardware stores, plumbing supply houses as well as at metalsmith and jewelry supply companies.

What temp do you need to braze copper?

In actual practice for copper systems, most soldering is done at temperatures from about 350°F to 600°F, while most brazing is done at temperatures ranging from 1100°F to 1500°F.

Is brazing stronger than soldering?

Soldering, in addition to having a lower processing temperature, typically results in a lower-strength joint than a brazed joint. For many applications, this is suitable and even desirable. The shear strength of brazed joints typically exceeds that of soldered joints by a factor of five.

How do I know if my copper pipe is hot enough to solder?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: There it goes it's already hot enough you see it's just soaking right in there boom there's two really good solder connections right there.