
Types of Gas Welding Gases
- 1. Acetylene Acetylene is the most popular fuel gas used for gas welding and gas cutting. ...
- 2. Gasoline Oxy-gasoline or oxy-petrol torches perform pretty well. ...
- 3. Hydrogen fuel gas Oxy-hydrogen flame is suitable for welding and cutting aluminum. ...
- 4. Propane or LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) fuel gas ...
- 5. Butane and butane/propane mixes fuel gases ...
- 6. MPS and MAPP fuel gases ...
Should you use propane or MAP gas when soldering copper pipe?
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. The main difference between propane or MAP gas is that the MAP is hotter. What that translates to is you will heat up the pipe quicker allowing you to solder faster.
Are gas soldering irons good for most jobs?
For most jobs, these multipurpose gas soldering irons are most suited for soldering tasks that call for more control and precision compared to most electric irons. Here are some reasons to invest in gas soldering irons:
Which gas is used in welding?
Which Gas Is Used In Welding? There are 10 different gases including Argon, CO2, Oxygen, Helium, Nitrogen, Hydrogen, Acetylene, Propane, Propylene and Compressed Air. These may also be found in different mixes to create different arc welding outcomes. What Is The Most Common Gas Used In Welding?
Can You solder water in a pipe?
Soldering a joint in pipes that contain even tiny amounts of water is nearly impossible. Most of the heat from the torch goes into turning the water to steam, so the copper won’t get hot enough to melt the solder. Stop the trickle of water with a pipe plug.
Who makes MAPP gas?
What is the difference between propane and MAP gas?
Can you use propane torch heads with MAP gas?
Is lead solder compatible with MAP?

What gas is best for solder?
Selecting the Right Fuel for Your Job Butane: Well-suited for soldering electronic circuits, heat shrinking, cooking and jewellery design and repair. Propane: Ideal for smaller soft soldering jobs, removing paint, caulk or putty and loosening rusted nuts and bolts.
What type of gas is used to solder copper pipe?
propaneThe 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 use propane for soldering?
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.
Why is nitrogen used in soldering?
Nitrogen provides a suitable environment for avoiding oxidation and helps to prevent the adverse effects of oxygen on the soldering process. This suppresses dross formation and reduces solder and flux consumption, for example. The result is improved soldering quality and reduced rework and repairs.
Does propane get hot enough to solder?
Propane torches work the best for small soldering or heating jobs because of their portability. While propane-oxygen combinations can reach a maximum temperature of 3,623 degrees F, or 1,995 degrees C, a propane-butane torch only goes up to 2237 degrees F, 1225 degrees C.
Is propane hot enough to silver solder?
An ordinary household propane or butane torch will work, but even better is one of the new torches that burn MAPP gas. Most hardware stores have them. They burn much hotter than ordinary torches, which makes silver soldering go faster and easier.
Can you solder with camping gas?
Butane produces the lowest of temperatures of all gas canisters and can be used for soft soldering. Propane gas bottles have a high heat output and are suitable for most brazing or soldering work.
Would you use propane or acetylene for soldering?
Difference in Gases Acetylene burns over 1000°F hotter than propane! Note that oxy acetylene combinations burn significantly hotter (5612°F) and should not be used for soldering copper as this is above coppers melting temperature (1984°F).
Can you solder with acetylene?
I prefer air acetylene for soldering most metals, oxy- propane for casting and very large soldering jobs.
Is propane hot enough to solder copper pipe?
Propane has a slightly lower temperature flame vs. MAP fuel and works well for soldering copper pipes. Heat the fitting just until you notice the flux paste bubbling out and there's a slight green tinge to the flame around the copper.
Can copper gas pipe be soldered?
Therefore, solder is an essential part of the fitting in order to make a sound method of making joints on end-feed fittings to copper gas pipes, in a safe and secure way.
Can copper tubing be used with LP gas?
copper is safe for LP, but not recommended for natural gas. due to "concerns over corrosion and flaking of copper tubing, copper is not allowed for use on natural gas work in some localities" (see reference)
Can I solder copper gas line?
In no case should solder or "soft-solder" be used to join copper tube and fittings in fuel gas systems.
Map vs Propane for Soldering | DIY Home Improvement Forum
I have a propane set up. I'm going to need to do some solder work on 1/2" copper. Some straight lengths, a few elbows, a ball valve. Will my propane setup do or will I have to upgrade to MAP? Looks like the MAP setup runs about $40. Also, how do I solder an elbow, won't the first joint...
MAPP vs Propane for copper pipe soldering | DIYnot Forums
I use both. Soldering big end feed fittings or to braze fridge line-sets I'll use MAPP. Small domestic stuff I use propane.
Best gas to use for copper pipe soldering | DIYnot Forums
I find the MAPP gas far superior, and worth the extra cost. The Rothenberger torch is good quality, certainly value for money IMO. Keep the flame on the move to avoid applying too much heat to one spot.
Can you solder with propane? | Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead ...
I don't want to thread-jack but I learned a neat trick from a plumber friend. If you have a copper line you need to solder and it just seems to keep dripping water - take some bread, plain white is best, ball it up and push it up in the line that is dripping.
What happens if you burn oxygen in a torch?
If there is excess oxygen in your oxygen/natural gas mixture, you’ll wind up with an oxidizing flame. The oxygen not captured by the flame can create oxides on the surface of the metal you’re soldering. This is a flame you definitely don’t want. You’ll know if you created an oxidizing flame by its appearance — pointed, with a conical shape forming at the head of the torch making two flame cones (an bluish, inner flame cone and a dark blue outer cone).
What is reducing flame?
This results in a reducing flame — another type you don’t want. Its appearance consists of a soft-edged, bushy yellow flame. Reducing flames contain carbon monoxide instead of carbon dioxide and water vapor. Without enough oxygen in the mix, the flame will be cooler, causing unburned fuel particles to contaminate the metal.
What is the perfect flame?
The perfect flame contains a balance where there is sufficient oxygen to burn all the fuel present and nothing more.
Can soldering happen without heat?
Without heat, the soldering process just doesn’t happen, right? Here, we take a look at the different gases used in soldering and how to achieve the flame balance needed for soldering success.
Is map gas hotter than solder gas?
Agile. The Map gas is a lot hotter. Much quicker for an experienced professional but not realy recommended for most DIYers as it is a lot hotter and that can cause soldered joints to fail. The good torches do work upside down though which is an advantage.
Is Mapp gas better than ordinary propane?
not a fan of mapp gas, over rated. ordinary propane is much better.
Is Superfire good for 22mm?
Superfire has a smaller burner and jet so they are a bit slower, not very good for 22mm it'll solder 22mm just a bit slow, no chance outside if its windy. Always use propane same as some of the lads, Mapp I only use for boiling out water.
How does it work?
The principle of operation is very simple and similar to that of a conventional gas burner. In short, the gas in the pressurized container escapes outside, is limited by the flame regulator, and burns, mixing with the oxygen contained in the air.
Fuel under pressure
The tank is filled with gas, which is usually filled with kitchen or ordinary lighters. Refueling a gas soldering iron takes 15-30 seconds, and the operating time of the tool will depend on the selected power.
Flame ignition and regulation
Fuel is supplied to the nozzle through a valve that controls the intensity of the gas supply, that is, the operating temperature. When soldering with a gas soldering iron, an open flame is rarely used. The soldering iron has a special catalyst that looks like a ceramic mesh coated with platinum.
What Is Gas Used For In Welding?
There is a range of different uses for gas in welding. This can include: keep the arc clear of impurities (such as dust, other gases, dirt, etc.),
What are the two types of gases used in welding?
There are two types of gas that is applicable to welding: 1 Inert gases. Inert means “nonreactive under a specific set of conditions”. This includes but is not limited to the noble gases (which are generally nonreactive in most conditions). Noble gases are also elemental (pure elements) but other inert gases are usually compounds.#N#However, it’s important to remember that all inert gases can be made to react given specific conditions and this is why choosing your gas for welding is an important step. 2 Reactive gases. As the name suggests these gases are chosen for their ability to react with other elements or compounds. They can create changes in the state of the weld or the welding conditions.
What is argon gas used for?
Argon welding gas is mainly used for shielding and in particular to keep contaminants in the air at bay. It can be brought to bear in the primary welding stage or it can be used to purge the underside of the joint. It’s a sure choice for a MIG welding gas and the number one choice for TIG welding.
Why is it important to choose a gas for welding?
However, it’s important to remember that all inert gases can be made to react given specific conditions and this is why choosing your gas for welding is an important step. Reactive gases. As the name suggests these gases are chosen for their ability to react with other elements or compounds.
What is CO2 gas?
Carbon Dioxide or CO2. Also known as MIG gas Another very common option among natural gases (we exhale CO 2 as do all animals – though plants inhale it). It is cheap and easy to produce on an industrial scale. CO2 welding gas (mostly used gas for MIG welding) is used for shielding the arc and molten pool.
What is purging gas?
Purging Gas. A purging gas does the same job as a shielding gas but on the underside of the weld. This is typically done during stainless steel welding and it’s done by sealing the bottom of the joint and blowing gas over it (you can use the same or a different gas as that being used on the other side of the joint).
How many gases are in arc welding?
There are 10 different gases including Argon, CO2, Oxygen, Helium, Nitrogen, Hydrogen, Acetylene, Propane, Propylene and Compressed Air. These may also be found in different mixes to create different arc welding outcomes.
How to make sure solder is getting hot?
If you are working on a very large piece, put on your largest torch tip and adjust the intensity to high , to make sure the piece is getting even heat and heating up the piece quickly enough to flow the solder before oxidation happens.
How to reflect heat back onto metal?
On larger pieces, as you wave the torch tip back and forth across the piece the opposite side is already cooling. When this happens you can reflect the heat back onto the piece by building a simple fire brick container. Try to heat the piece again inside this container and you'll find that you're not losing as much heat as before. This container works well also when melting scrap in a crucible.
How to prevent fires when soldering?
In a pinch you could use a piece of sheet metal instead. Wetting the area around the soldering job with a spray bottle of water also helps prevent fires. Keep a fire extinguisher handy as a precaution.
How to solder a pipe?
Cut, flux and assemble a section of pipes and solder them all at once. Soldering one joint at a time is inefficient. Use pipe straps to support the pipes if necessary. Be careful to clean and flux the end of every pipe and the inside of the fittings before assembling them. Then just before you start soldering, press the pipes firmly into the fittings to make sure they’re fully seated. Start soldering at one end of the assembly and move methodically from one joint to the next.
What is tinning flux?
Flux. Tinning flux works just like standard flux but contains a bit of silver solder powder that melts when heat is applied. The resulting thin layer of solder helps ensure a leakproof joint. Tinning flux is available at most hardware stores and home centers and only costs a little more than standard flux.
Is MAPP solder hotter than propane?
Lead-free solder melts at a higher temperature than the now-banned lead-based solder. 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. pipes and fittings.
Can you feed solder into a joint?
Don’t feed too much solder into the joint. It’s tempting to melt a few inches of solder into a joint as extra insurance against leaking. But excess solder can puddle inside pipes, restricting water flow, and can form small balls that break loose and damage faucet valves.
Can you fix a copper pipe with water in it?
When you’re repair ing or tying in to existing co pper pipes, it’s common to find a small amount of water in them even after you close the valve and drain the pipes. Soldering a joint in pipes that contain even tiny amounts of water is nearly impossible.
Can solder drips clog threads?
Solder drips can clog the threads, making it difficult to get a good seal when you screw on the matching part. If the threaded fitting is positioned so that solder will run down onto the threads, solder the pipe and fitting at a workbench instead so you can keep the fitting pointed up.
Who makes MAPP gas?
MAPP gas was a trademarked name, belonging to The Linde Group which came out of the Dow Chemical Company.
What is the difference between propane and MAP gas?
In truth, both types of fuel will get the job done. The main difference between propane or MAP gas is that the MAP is hotter. What that translates to is you will heat up the pipe quicker allowing you to solder faster.
Can you use propane torch heads with MAP gas?
There needs to be caution exercised because most torch heads designed for propane are not compatible with MAP gas unless clearly indicated on the torch head. Make sure you understand which tools to use before attempting to switch from one to the other.
Is lead solder compatible with MAP?
Also, since lead-based solder is not code-compliant for domestic water systems, the tin and silver-based solder take a little more heat to get them to flow. MAP gets the job done quicker for this as well. There needs to be caution exercised because most torch heads designed for propane are not compatible with MAP gas unless clearly indicated on ...
