Working with a lighted torch and molten solder can make anyone a bit nervous, and it should. The consequences of a soldering mistake can range from a leaky pipe to a house fire. As with most craft skills, however, the keys to success are practice and planning. Even for small projects, draw up a plan that minimizes the number of fittings; don’t just stick pipes together willynilly. Preassemble and solder as many sections as possible on a workbench. And make sure that every fitting that has to be soldered in place will be easily accessible.
To prevent burns, always wear safety glasses, and never solder directly overhead. To prevent fires, use a proper heat shield (not just a scrap of sheet metal) whenever you have to solder close to combustibles, and always keep a working fire extinguisher close by.
The tools needed for this job are all available at any hardware store:
• Tubing cutter with attached pipe reamer.
• Wire-bristle fitting brush (sized for 1/2-in. or 3/4-in. fittings).
• Plumber’s emery screen.
• Small can of flux and a disposable acid brush.
• Torch (sidebar p. 126).
• Roll of lead-free solder.