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is push on/in copper connectors safe

Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 3:16 am
by TheLoneWolf69
Hi all, sorry for the silly question I just wondered if push in copper connectors are ok to use, ive been distilling 18month nearly with t500 thinking about building a small/medium pot still but im total poo at soldering and wondered if these connectors are ok or not,



Many thank

Re: is push on/in copper connectors safe

Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 5:13 am
by Prairiepiss
No they have synthetics in them. That are not safe to use.

Re: is push on/in copper connectors safe

Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 5:34 am
by pfshine
If you dont want to solder stainless compression fittings would be good or brass if you pickle them. Oh yeah stop by the welcome center and introduce yourself.

Re: is push on/in copper connectors safe

Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 6:25 am
by TheLoneWolf69
Prairiepiss wrote:No they have synthetics in them. That are not safe to use.

So its not just a rubber ring that the pipe bypasses when inserted?
Thanks for the reply I certainly will introduce my self seems like a decent place,

Re: is push on/in copper connectors safe

Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 7:38 am
by aj2456
the pipe will bypass it but the vapor will still be making contact with enough to cause a problem- there is always flour paste but that could get messy fast for a whole still

having just done my first soldering job it wasnt too bad- helps to preheat the big bits on a gas stove or in the oven first ;)

Re: is push on/in copper connectors safe

Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 7:54 am
by TheLoneWolf69
Thanks for the imput I dont mind getting dirty with flour and water lol just had a check these connectors are used on water taps ie hot water taps surely the same applies to them and if so they wouldnt be sold in the 1st place,

Re: is push on/in copper connectors safe

Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 7:58 am
by Prairiepiss
Soldering is a lot easier then many make it out to be. All you are doing is glueing two pieces together. You just have to use heat to do it. Good flux good solder and good heat source. With a clean work surface. Is all you need. It's like anything else. The more you do it the better and more comfortable you will get. And its a good skill to have in the tool bucket.

Your not working with hot water. You are working with hot alcohol vapors and hot liquid alcohol. Big difference. Alcohol is a solvent. Hot alcohol is a better solvent. And the temps we work with are much higher then a water heater.

Re: is push on/in copper connectors safe

Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 10:34 am
by TheLoneWolf69
Thanks again for the reply and for the infomation

Re: is push on/in copper connectors safe

Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2013 12:30 pm
by TheLoneWolf69
Finally got parts blow torch flux and lead free solder been practicing think I can do it just 1 quick question


The pot im using is a 15liter stainless steel pan with steel lid ive drilled a 10mm hole in the lid and slipped nicely a 10mm-15mm copper reducer so I can have a detachable 15mm copper column coming from the reducer that will snugly not slip or slide anywhere during distillation I will attach with rye flour paste, the lid will be held in place by rye flour paste and a brick on top I just wondered am I ok soldering the reducer on the inside of the lid as i think I can get a better seal on that part than if I soldered from the outside
As its lead free solder I imagine it'll be ok just thought id ask
Sorry if this is a bit confusing, I do apreciate everyones reply

Re: is push on/in copper connectors safe

Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2013 12:42 pm
by bellybuster
soldering to stainless steel requires a specific flux. harris Stay Clean works a charm. Yes it's fine to solder to inside.