How to Use a MAPP Gas Torch to Solder Stainless to Stainless
MAPP gas burns hotter than propane or butane, so it may be your best choice for heating larger areas of stainless steel. But be careful not to get it so hot that it oxidizes and ruins the stainless finish. The surface materials that make steel stainless also resist solder. But you can overcome this problem by using an acid soldering flux specifically designed for stainless steel. You can use a MAPP gas torch for soft tin/silver solder that melts at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit or a harder silver solder that melts at about 800 degrees.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Use solvent to clean away all dirt, oil or grease on the surfaces to be connected before using your MAPP gas soldering torch. Even a small amount of dirt or grease can ruin your solder joint.
-
2
Coat the areas to be connected with soldering flux designed specifically for stainless steel.
-
-
3
Clamp or wire the parts together so that they don’t move while soldering. The parts should be flush because the solder will not fill gaps.
-
4
Light your MAPP gas torch. Turn the valve one quarter turn counterclockwise and light the flame with a match or cigarette lighter. Then adjust the flame to about an inch and a half to two inches.
-
5
Heat the junction slowly at first until the flux gets hot. Then concentrate the heat onto the joint.
-
6
Touch the solder to the heated joint and let it flow onto it. If the solder doesn’t flow, the joint is not hot enough. When the joint is hot enough, the solder will flow on easily. But don’t try to melt the solder with the torch. The stainless steel must hot enough to melt the solder to have it stick properly.
-
7
Let the stainless cool before handling it. You can douse it with water to cool it faster.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
To assemble your torch, simply screw the torch head onto the tank.
You can choose from several models of MAPP gas torch heads. Some light automatically but may not be worth the additional expense if you don’t use it often. But the gas will burn at the same temperature and will not affect your soldering style, no matter which torch you choose.
Your MAPP gas torch provides enough heat for either 400 or 800 degree solder. The 800 degree solder with the higher silver content makes a stronger bond.
How long it takes to heat the joint depends on the size of the area you heat. Larger areas take a longer time to heat enough to melt solder.
Work in a heat safe area. Your stainless will get very hot, so be careful that it doesn’t scorch or ignite other things in your work area.
Too much heat will cause stainless to oxidize, so pull your torch away as soon as the solder melts onto the joint. Don’t continue heating it.
Work in a well ventilated area. The fumes from the acid flux and from some solders can be toxic.
