Torch for Silver Soldering Copper Boiler

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Builder01
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Re: Torch for Silver Soldering Copper Boiler

Post by Builder01 »

Hi Dave,

Actually, it's the handle length plus the neck tube is 18". If you have had no problem, I will go with the tube that comes with the kit. If it seems I need to get farther from the work due to reflected heat, I'll get a longer one then.

Do you folks have a 4-3/4" gauge track at the Waushakum Live Steamers & New Hampshire Garden Railroad?

Thanks,
David
daveb
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Re: Torch for Silver Soldering Copper Boiler

Post by daveb »

Hi Dave
Waushakum has a hi-line duel gauge 4 3/4 and 3 1/2 about 2500' along with a ground line of 7 1/4 about 4000'. I also just joined the Northeast Live steamers and have found a bunch of RR's all around the northeast.
Dave Barker
Kennebunk Me
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Builder01
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Re: Torch for Silver Soldering Copper Boiler

Post by Builder01 »

Hi Dave,

I think I am about to hi-jack my own thread!

Do you folks accept visitors and their locomotives?

This is of course presuming I get my locomotive running in the next year! What you see so far of my locomotive, (photo in the first post), has been what I have accomplished since June of last year. It is now running quite well on air, it is 4-3/4" gauge.

David
duckman903
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Re: Torch for Silver Soldering Copper Boiler

Post by duckman903 »

Builder01 I'm going to jump in here and say yes we welcome visitors with engines but you have to go thru a boiler pressure test before firing after that your good to go.
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Bill Shields
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Re: Torch for Silver Soldering Copper Boiler

Post by Bill Shields »

I have an 8" and an 18" and use the 18" for all the heavy work...especially if here are bricks around back...all the heat comes back at you.

It is also easier to hold in a clamp to point....so you don't have to stand and hold forever
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
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Builder01
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Re: Torch for Silver Soldering Copper Boiler

Post by Builder01 »

Hi Duckman,
Yes, I would expect a boiler test as routine for visitors. Thank you!

Bill,
What you say makes sense. I figured that the reflected heat can become an issue!
Kimball McGinley
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Re: Torch for Silver Soldering Copper Boiler

Post by Kimball McGinley »

I made a simple heat shield around the grip area that helped me avoid a cooked hand.
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Bill Shields
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Re: Torch for Silver Soldering Copper Boiler

Post by Bill Shields »

The long handle is much easier...
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
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xo18thfa
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Re: Torch for Silver Soldering Copper Boiler

Post by xo18thfa »

Just want to echo what the board says about Sievert torches. They are first rate and worth the investment. I had to replace the handle recently and got a new one from this outfit.

http://www.bestmaterials.com/default.aspx
Bob Sorenson, Harrisburg, South Dakota
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Builder01
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Re: Torch for Silver Soldering Copper Boiler

Post by Builder01 »

Hi Bob,

Although Sievert torches are advertised mostly for roofing applications, as it turns out, they are also probably one of the best for silver soldering model locomotive boilers. I already have a complete torch "kit" on order.

David
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Bill Shields
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Re: Torch for Silver Soldering Copper Boiler

Post by Bill Shields »

Waushakum Live Steamers has what is probably the premier 4-3/4" elevated track in the country.

It is a real challenge to get around their track.

The only place where it is FLAT is where it transitions from UP to Down to UP...and it's a LONG way around....
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
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Bill Shields
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Re: Torch for Silver Soldering Copper Boiler

Post by Bill Shields »

If you have a 'boiler test card' from another club you are good to go.

If you are expecting a boiler test on arrival, it is always a good idea to let the club know that you are coming and will need it, otherwise there may be a wait....

My torch arm is 14" fitting to fitting, after the bend - so it is some 20" from the hose to the bottom of the flame head.

when you are working alone, and need to hold the torch while you get in 'with both hands', there is nothing like a long pipe that you can clamp in a vise.

Image

shown here is the big head (number given previously).

This is a small (5" diameter by 12" high vertical boiler

The same technique would apply to your 5" x 18" boiler. I would stack up some bricks and set the vise on it, holding the torch exactly where I want it while I move the boiler around as needed.

a lazy susan also comes in very handy
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
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