By Dave
January 19, 2023
Copper to stainless, DIY Boiler, Home Distilling, stainless to copper
A Beginner's Guide to Crafting Moonshine Stills.
Hello, home distillers! Today, we're going to unearth the secrets of a key skill in moonshine still building – soldering copper pipe to a stainless steel Tri Clover ferrules, or sometimes referred to as copper to stainless steel brazing. This guide is tailored to break down the process, making it comprehensible for beginners and a valuable refresher for the experienced.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before we roll up our sleeves and start our copper to stainless project, it's important to gather our tools and materials. For this project, you'll need:
• Propane blow torch
• Emery cloth
• Acetone
• Lead free solder
• Liquid flux
• Cleaning rag
• Flat file
Note: Choosing the correct flux is particularly important when soldering stainless steel. Opt for a flux that contains at least 30% zinc chloride and 15% hydrochloric acid, such as "Ezi-weld 801" by Ca Group or "SCLF16 Stay Clean" by Harris. This ensures that the surface of the stainless steel is properly etched, allowing the solder to bond securely.
Safety First
Now we are going to need to protect ourselves with some personal protective equipment (PPE). Always wear safety glasses, heat-resistant gloves, and a respirator to protect against harmful fumes, molten solder splashes, and burns while soldering copper. It’s also a good idea to wear flame-resistant coveralls to protect your skin.
Once you've gathered all your tools, materials and PPE, we can begin the process of joining your copper pipe to the Tri-Clover ferrule.
Step One: Prepping the Copper Pipe and Stainless Steel Ferrule
The first step involves preparing our materials. We'll use a piece of emery cloth to abrade the copper pipe, followed by a thorough cleaning of both the copper pipe and the stainless steel Tri-Clover ferrule with acetone and a cleaning rag. The key here is achieving a clean, tight joint that will allow for effective soldering.
Note: soft solder can't bridge gaps, so it's crucial that the fit of the copper to the stainless steel ferrule is snug!
Step Two: Applying the Flux
Once our materials are prepared, it's time to apply the flux. This is the hero of our copper to stainless steel adventure, aiding the solder to bond effectively. Apply this liberally to both the copper pipe and the stainless steel Tri Clover ferrule.
Note: Do not use the flux directly from the bottle, instead pour a small amount into a separate container and use it from there. Never pour unused flux back into the original container. This practice carries a risk of contaminating the entire contents of the container, especially if the portion of flux previously used has been exposed to contaminants. This precaution ensures the quality and purity of the remaining flux.
Step Three: The Soldering Process
Now comes the real action – soldering. Firing up our propane blow torch, we'll heat the copper first. Once the lead-free solder starts to melt onto the copper, we then move the heat onto the stainless steel until the solder flows into the joint. Heat management is key during this copper to stainless soldering process. Avoid directing too much heat on the stainless steel ferrule, instead, focus on the copper and let the heat naturally conduct over.
Step Four: Cooling Down
Once the soldering is done, allow the joint to cool naturally. Rapid cooling methods like water dunking can cause cracking in the joint, which we definitely want to avoid!
Step Five: Finishing Up
Once the joint is cool, it's time for the finishing touches. Use a flat file to remove any excess solder, and clean the joint with the emery cloth for a professional finish. Voila, you now have a perfectly soldered copper to stainless steel solder joint!
Common Errors and Misconceptions
There are a couple of misconceptions and errors that can sneak in when soldering copper to stainless steel. One such misconception is that solder can bridge gaps. However, this is not the case; hence the importance of a snug fit between your copper pipe and stainless steel ferrule.
Another common error is thinking any solder will do. It's vital to use lead-free solder to avoid the risk of lead poisoning. Safety should always be a top priority in your crafting process!
Further Learning and Resources
If you wish to further explore the world of stainless to copper soldering this is a great resource. “Soldering and Brazing" by Tubal Cain – a comprehensive guide to soldering.
About Me
As a devoted enthusiast and a seasoned commercial builder of moonshine stills, I have invested years honing and mastering diverse techniques to craft the perfect stills. Time and time again, one question surfaces above the rest: "How do I solder a copper pipe to a stainless steel Tri-Clover ferrule?"
In response to this burning curiosity, I've compiled this comprehensive 'How-To' guide, detailing the copper to stainless steel soldering process in all its glory. My mission is to share my passion and expertise, aiming to illuminate the pathway for others to unearth the distinct joy of moonshine still building.
To sum up, soldering copper to stainless is an art that can be learned with patience and practice. So, gather your tools, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of moonshine still building!