MadModder
Gallery, Projects and General => How do I?? => Topic started by: Mike K on June 24, 2021, 11:23:02 AM
-
How reasonable is it to construct a box out of flattened copper plumbing tubing and joined with plumbing solder? It won't hold pressure, but I do want it to keep out rain. Is the use of silver solder just for pressure applications?
-
If that's all that you have, then use it. Soft solder will be fine and need a lot less heat. Make sure that you use lap joints or, if you've enough metal, folded lap joints.
-
Oh, I was just going to do 90* butt joints. No good? I don't have a sheet metal brake.
-
It’s all about surface area of the joint.
Conventionally copper ware joints would be castellated like a box joint if laps or folds weren’t possible.
-
Since I've no idea of the intended use or size of the piece, I can't say whether or not a butt might work.
-
Mike,
Water pipe copper will bend nicely in a vice, if it's longer than the vice jaws, a couple of smooth pieces of angle iron to extend. Hammer to form angle. Soft solder will be more than adequate for a rain cover. Anneal before cutting by heating red hot, quench in water of air cool.
Cheers, Matthew
-
I second what Matthew said. Just be sure all mating surfaces are clean, clean, clean! Did I mention that everything needs to be clean?
Don
-
Okay, I'll give it a shot. Pieces, by the way, are 2" x 4" and joined along the 4" to form a rectangular tube with something to be fitted to the top and bottom.