Installation of copper compressed air lines

by mike wells
(st. louis, mo)

In home shop applications would it be better to braise or soft solder lines and fittings?
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Hi Mike. Thanks for the question.

Since I'm not used to brazing, I sweat my copper with solder, and that works just fine for me.

If you think about it, the pressure that the copper lines and joints will see from most DIY type air compressors is in the 150 PSI range, max.

There's no concern about a soldered joint letting go at those, relatively, low pressures.

On the other hand, if you prefer to braze, go for it.

Far as I'm concerned both will work well, and you should opt for the method that you're most comfortable with, and costs you the least.

Congrats on selecting the higher cost option for plumbing your air lines....copper tube or pipe. Over the long haul, I'm convinced that the payback will be there in less "crud" ending up in your air tools or valves and cylinders.

Cheers,

Bill





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Installation of copper compressed air lines

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Jul 04, 2009
 Copper braze or solder
by: Paul Meiners

If you braze, the copper sweat pipe loses strength (not the joint) due to the high torch temperatures. The only place braze might be more appropriate is at the discharge point of the compressor where the temperature is realtively high, which generally goes directly to a receiving tank by unjointed tubing or by pipe. At the receiving tank, heat is dissipated by the tank wall, so supply air has a lower temperature, which solder joints would not be affected by. Solder with silver content gives a stronger/higher temperature joint(cost more).




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Thanks Paul, we appreciate the input.

Bill

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