Hello,

For soldering copper pipe/tubing in the 1/2" to 1" range, what is the
proper size gap between the ID of the fitting and the OD of the
pipe/tubing? For example, the ID of 3/4" type L pipe is 0.785", while
the OD of 3/4" type L tube is 0.750"; would this be an acceptable
solder joint, or is 0.035" too big?

Thanks, Wayne

Wayne Whitney wrote:
Hello,

For soldering copper pipe/tubing in the 1/2" to 1" range, what is the
proper size gap between the ID of the fitting and the OD of the
pipe/tubing? For example, the ID of 3/4" type L pipe is 0.785", while
the OD of 3/4" type L tube is 0.750"; would this be an acceptable
solder joint, or is 0.035" too big?

I don't understand your question. It sounds like you're asking if the
fittings fit. I've never noticed any appreciable difference between
fittings or pipe sizes. They all seem to fit and I've never had a
problem sweating the joints.

Never put a micrometer on a fitting, though. Why are you asking?

R

"RicodJour" wrote in message
oups.com...
Wayne Whitney wrote:
Hello,

For soldering copper pipe/tubing in the 1/2" to 1" range, what is the
proper size gap between the ID of the fitting and the OD of the
pipe/tubing? For example, the ID of 3/4" type L pipe is 0.785", while
the OD of 3/4" type L tube is 0.750"; would this be an acceptable
solder joint, or is 0.035" too big?

I don't understand your question. It sounds like you're asking if the
fittings fit. I've never noticed any appreciable difference between
fittings or pipe sizes. They all seem to fit and I've never had a
problem sweating the joints.

Never put a micrometer on a fitting, though. Why are you asking?

R


Looks like he's thinking of putting 3/4" soft copper tube into 3/4" L.
Normal fitting clearance is .003-.005" as I recall...

Wayne Whitney wrote:
Hello,

For soldering copper pipe/tubing in the 1/2" to 1" range, what is the
proper size gap between the ID of the fitting and the OD of the
pipe/tubing? For example, the ID of 3/4" type L pipe is 0.785", while
the OD of 3/4" type L tube is 0.750"; would this be an acceptable
solder joint, or is 0.035" too big?

Thanks, Wayne


Ah. I think you have confused copper pipe and tube used for
general plumbing apps with the "refrigeration tubing" used
on things like A/C systems. In the latter case, tubing is
always speced by the tube O.D. And there are special fittings
designed to accept those dimensions.


plumbing sizes:
http://www.copper.org/applications/p...th_table2b.htm

Refrig sizes:
http://www.rparts.com/Catalog/Instal...copper_t&f.asp

If its copper pipe made to be soldered, a 3/4 pipe fits a 3/4 elbow,
male adaptor, coupling etc. If it's copper tubing, then 1/4 inch
tubing fits a 1/4 inch compression fitting.

On 2006-02-22, Rick wrote:

Looks like he's thinking of putting 3/4" soft copper tube into 3/4" L.

Yes, exactly.

Normal fitting clearance is .003-.005" as I recall...

Is that a 0.003" difference in diameter or radius? In either event, a
0.035" difference in diameter is way too much, I imagine. What are
the limits for a solder joint?

Thanks, Wayne

On 2006-02-22, Speedy Jim wrote:

Ah. I think you have confused copper pipe and tube used for
general plumbing apps with the "refrigeration tubing" used
on things like A/C systems. In the latter case, tubing is
always speced by the tube O.D. And there are special fittings
designed to accept those dimensions.

Actually, I was just wondering if a piece of 3/4" type L copper pipe
would work as a coupling for 3/4" tubing. [Or as a bushing in a 3/4"
pipe fitting to accept 3/4" tubing.] But the diameter difference is
0.035", which is apparently too much.

Thanks, Wayne

Most of the sweat copper I've done, the pieces touched all around when I
pushed them together. Snug fit, too.

I remember o35, cause I used to gap Chrysler plugs that spec. WAAAAY too
much slop.


--

Christopher A. Young
You can't shout down a troll.
You have to starve them.
..

"Wayne Whitney" wrote in message
...
Hello,

For soldering copper pipe/tubing in the 1/2" to 1" range, what is the
proper size gap between the ID of the fitting and the OD of the
pipe/tubing? For example, the ID of 3/4" type L pipe is 0.785", while
the OD of 3/4" type L tube is 0.750"; would this be an acceptable
solder joint, or is 0.035" too big?

Thanks, Wayne

"Wayne Whitney" wrote in message
...
Hello,

For soldering copper pipe/tubing in the 1/2" to 1" range, what is the
proper size gap between the ID of the fitting and the OD of the
pipe/tubing? For example, the ID of 3/4" type L pipe is 0.785", while
the OD of 3/4" type L tube is 0.750"; would this be an acceptable
solder joint, or is 0.035" too big?

Thanks, Wayne


Swage it until it fits.

Oscar_Lives wrote:
"Wayne Whitney" wrote in message
...
Hello,

For soldering copper pipe/tubing in the 1/2" to 1" range, what is the
proper size gap between the ID of the fitting and the OD of the
pipe/tubing? For example, the ID of 3/4" type L pipe is 0.785", while
the OD of 3/4" type L tube is 0.750"; would this be an acceptable
solder joint, or is 0.035" too big?

Thanks, Wayne


Swage it until it fits.


From :http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/artic...ticle_id=60141

..........The capillary space between tube and fitting is approximately
0.004". Solder metal fills this gap by capillary action. This spacing
is critical for the solder metal to flow into the gap and form a strong
joint. Copper is a relatively soft metal. If too much material is
removed from the tube end or fitting cup, a loose fit may result in a
poor joint............

That would translate to ~.008 diameter difference between parts' ID &
OD.

Which is right in the middle of previous post of .003 to .005.

The capillary action is why one can solder a joint where the open edge
faces downwards.

Long answer.......

Short answer .035 is WAY to big a gap for a reliable joint.

My suggestion is get the correct fitting.

cheers
Bob