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The 1-1/2" TC Solder On flange is an alternative to a weld in ferrule
when you don't have access to a good TIG welder. This is the more popular option
for this fitting when used in vessels from about 14" to 36" in diameter as it helps fit the contour
of curved kettle walls.We also stock this as a Flat Face flange and is more suited
for the bottom of flat bottom pots, flat lids, or the side wall of very
large diameter vessels (over 36" in diameter). See other item for this option.
The exact radius of the curve on the back of the flange is 8" which makes it fit a 16" diameter pot or keg perfectly with no gaps at all. The install technique noted below allows the fitting to be used on diameters lesser and greater, and it's still better than a flat flange.
Soldering Notes:
After drilling or punching the hole in your vessel (minimum 1-3/8"
hole, maximum 1-5/8" since the flange is 2" OD, scuff up the contact
areas of both the vessel and the flange using some 100" grit sandpaper
then wipe off residue with solvent on a rag. Apply acid flux such as
Harris Stay Clean Liquid flux to both surfaces. Lay the flange centered
over the hole ensuring that the radius in the flange most closely
follows that of the vessel (You may want to mark top and bottom with
indexing marks on top of the TC flange to make this easier). Once you
are happy with placement, use small C-clamps inserted through the hole
to firmly clamp the flange in place and to draw in any gaps due to
radius mismatch. Using an LP or MAPP torch, warm the vessel walls first
keeping the flame moving, avoiding the flange for a few minutes. Then
concentrate the heat on the TC flange itself, avoiding burning the flux
as much as possible. The ideal temperature is reached when your solder
melts when applied to the joint between the flange and vessel and NOT
when the solder wire is directly heated by your flame. Solder should be
quite liquid and start drawing into the gap. Work the solder around the
entire flange, reheating the flange briefly as necessary. This process
is shown in a instructional video at the bottom of this page.
Disclaimer:
Soldering is not horribly challenging, but you should be moderately
handy if you're going to attempt this. If you've never soldered copper
plumbing with success before, you may want to do some practicing first.
Acid flux is dangerous to handle and the fumes are toxic. Please use a
respirator and/or solder outside or in a well ventilated area. Torches
make things very hot! DUH... typical silver bearing solders with 3-6%
silver content melt just under 500F and the flange will stay hot for
several minutes after you remove the heat. Just be careful!
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1.5 TC Radius Face Solder Flange 
