Step 3: Solder the supply lines

soldering supply lines
Photo: David Carmack
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Gently ream the inside edges of the copper supply lines with a pocketknife or the triangular blade on a tubing cutter. This removes the burr left by the tubing cutter.

Polish the ends of the supply lines with sandpaper until the copper is shiny. Coat the line with flux. Polish and flux the inside of the angle stops and slip them, with their escutcheons, over the supply lines.

Light the propane torch and apply its bright blue inner flame to the stop, at the spot where the supply line ends. Hold the tip of lead-free solder against the copper tubing where it joins the stop, on the side opposite the flame.

When the solder starts to melt, turn off the torch and run the solder around the joint. After it cools slightly, wipe with a damp rag to smooth the exposed solder and remove any flux, which corrodes copper.

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    Tools List

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    • hack saw
      Hacksaw,
      for cutting PVC and thick brass pipe
    • propane torch
      Propane torch,
      for soldering copper tubing joints
    • two-foot level
      1-foot level,
      for leveling basin
    • tongue-and-groove pliers
      Water-pump pliers,
      for gently tightening large nuts on drain pipes
    • crescent ratchet wrench
      Crescent wrench,
      for tightening small nuts on compression fittings
    • compact tubing cutter
      Compact tubing cutter,
      for cutting copper tubing in tight locations
    • tubing cutter
      Tubing cutter with reaming blade,
      for faster cutting on bigger, accessible tubing
    • wire brush
      Wire brush,
      for cleaning inside of copper tubing before soldering
    • basin wrench
      Basin wrench,
      for tightening the nuts on faucet valves and spouts in the virtually inaccessible regions under the sink's basin
    • socket wrench
      Socket wrench,
      for driving lag screw
    • drill
      Drill and bit,
      for drilling holes for lag screws
    • flathead screwdriver
      Slotted screwdriver,
      for attaching lift rod to actuator arm
    • 16-foot tape measure
      Tape measure

    Shopping List

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    1. PEDESTAL SINK

    2. LEAD-FREE SOLDER

    3. PVC CLEANER AND SOLVENT

    for joining PVC pipe



    4. FLUX

    acidic paste applied to copper before soldering



    5. FINE-GRIT SANDPAPER ROLL

    for polishing the outside of copper tubing before soldering



    6. FENDER WASHERS AND 2 1/2-INCH LAG SCREWS, TWO EACH

    for attaching sink basin to wall) Damp cloth (for cleaning and wiping up freshly soldered joints



    7. SPRAY WATER BOTTLE

    for preventing fires that may be ignited while soldering



    8. BUCKET

    for collecting water drips



    9. PIPE DOPE

    Teflon-based paste for sealing pipe threads



    10. PLUMBER'S PUTTY

    for sealing drain and faucet flanges against the sink