How To Solder Copper Pipe w/ MAKERX Wood & Metal Crafter

The line of MAKERX crafting tools can do a lot to open up the possibilities for home craft projects. Among those tools, you have the MAKERX Wood & Metal Crafter. With its micro-ergonomic design and precise temperature control, this tool is great for pyrography projects.

Beyond its use for wood crafting, it can also function as a soldering tool that works great for repairing electronics, soldering copper, and much more. 

With the ability to solder copper pipe, this tool can be used for a range of home DIY and repair projects. It can be used to repair pipes that are damaged or leaking, or you can use it to add new lines if you are doing a home remodel. In this post, we are going to teach you how to solder copper pipe using the MAKERX Wood & Metal Crafter with soldering capabilities.

Cutting the Copper Pipe

Many of these soldering projects will require you to measure and cut a length of copper pipe. The MAKERX Angle Grinder is a great tool for cutting copper pipe, which is powered by the MAKERX Hub that also powers the Wood & Metal Crafter and all crafting tools on the MAKERX platform. Additionally, you can use an autocut pipe slicer, tube cutter, or hacksaw to cut copper pipe.

To cut the copper pipe with an angle grinder, start by measuring and marking the location of the cut. With the pipe marked, secure it in a vise with the mark about 5-6 inches beyond the end of the vise. Turn on the angle grinder, and firmly place the spinning grinding disc on the mark, applying pressure into the pipe to create a groove. From there, continue to apply pressure on the angle grinder as it cuts through the copper pipe until finished.

Preparing the Copper Pipe

Cleaning the pipe and the fittings is an important part of getting a good seal when soldering copper pipe. Start by cleaning the end of the pipe that will go into the fitting using a sandpaper emery cloth. It should be cleaned until it has a nice shine on the surface. After that, clean the inside of the coupling using a wire brush.

Once you have the copper pipes cleaned, you need to apply plumbing flux to the surfaces that are to be joined. Brush an even layer of flux over the copper pipe end that is to go into the fitting. Follow that by applying flux to the interior of the fitting. With flux applied to the copper pipe and fitting, you can push the pipe into the fitting. Wipe off any excess flux from the joint.

Heating the Joint and Soldering the Copper Pipe

Unlike most soldering irons, the MAKERX Wood & Metal Crafter has a torch feature that makes it good for soldering projects like joining copper pipe. Using the torch setting on the tool, you can now start heating the joint. It is important to heat the entire joint evenly to apply the solder. 

Once the joint is heated, you can hold the solder to the joint on the opposite side from the soldering tool. If the joint is properly heated, the solder should melt and flow into the joint. Work your way around the joint until you have an even silver band going around to form a seal.

Learning how to solder copper pipe does take time. If it is your first attempt, you might not get a perfect seal on your first try. Just take your time and make sure you do it right. Along with that, you should follow the best practices for soldering safety

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How To Solder Copper Pipe With Your MAKERX Wood & Metal Crafter
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How To Solder Copper Pipe With Your MAKERX Wood & Metal Crafter
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Beyond its use for wood crafting, it can also function as a soldering tool that works great for repairing electronics, soldering copper, and much more. With the ability to solder copper pipe, this tool can be used for a range of home DIY and repair projects.
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