Braze or solder copper refrigerant lines to fittings

henny · 2006-12-24T16:38:47+00:00

It seems like the two primary methods for connecting copper to copper refrigerant lines to fittings are either Sil Phos 15 brazing rod or Stay Brite silver solder. I've done gas welding and some plumbing soldering jobs but would only rate myself as a novice. Which method is easier for a novice to do reliably? (Sil Phos or Staybrite silver solder.) I plan to do lots of practice on scrap copper pipe and fittings until I'm proficient. I'd like to know which method is easier to learn and do reliably so I have a good starting point. For brazing copper lines (3/8 to 1-1/8" in diameter) what oxy/acet tip do you prefer to use. (small rosebud??) Will a Turbo Torch w/ #4 tip and MAPP gas braze using Sil Phos 15? What about the Quick Braze?? Is it worth getting??