Copper tubing used for plumbing piping is available sized nominally, meaning that the outside diameter of the tubing is 1/8" (0.125 inches) larger than its stated size. In other words, 1" nominal copper tubing measures 1.125" inches in diameter. If you need to cut the pipe for your project, make sure that you use a tube cutter, clamping the pipe firmly and rotating the cutter around the pipe. It should take about 8 turns. Most nominally-sized copper tubing is available in four weights, or wall thicknesses, which is color-coded. Typically, though, residential projects will involve copper tubing of either Type L or M. Type L tubing is marked with a blue tag and is typically the most commonly used in commercial/residential installations. Type M is marked red and has the lightest wall that can be used for a pressurized system. Depending on your project, you'll probably need some combination of the following:  Male/Female adapters, which are used to join a solder pipe to a threaded pipe. Reducing adapters, which are used to go from a larger size pipe to a smaller size. Elbow joints, which are used to turn corners, typically 90 degree bends, but also available in 45 degree bends. Tees and crosses, which are used to join a branch tubing to the main tubing, using a tee, or two branches in the case of a "cross." For potable water systems, lead-free solid core solder must be used.  It is typically 95/5 (95% tin and 5% antimony), or an alloy of tin and a small amount of copper and/or silver, commonly sold in one pound rolls of 1/8" diameter wire. Solder with lead must not be used for potable water systems. This is typically a jelly with a zinc chloride or rosin cleaning component used to cover the cleaned surfaces of the copper to be soldered before assembly and heating. It is the function of the flux, upon heating, to facilitate further cleaning, exclude atmospheric oxygen, prevent re-oxidation, and to aide in wetting out the solder. Typically, a traditional electric soldering iron won't be hot enough to work with copper tubing. You'll need a heat source of sufficient output capacity to heat the assembled fittings and tubing to a temperature above that required to melt the filler solder, typically 400 to 500 °F (204 to 260 °C). For this reason, a propane/air, or acetylene/air torch fitted with a tip of appropriate size is most often used. Clean, dry cotton rags and a spray bottle full of water will complete the necessary soldering materials.
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One-sentence summary -- Get copper tubing of appropriate diameter. Make sure the tubing is of the proper wall thickness for your project. Get the proper connectors and joints for the system you are building. Select solder. Obtain the appropriate solder flux. Get a heat source.


One of the best ways to improve your new language skills is to practice speaking with a native speaker. They will easily be able to correct any grammar or pronunciation mistakes you make and can introduce you to more informal or colloquial forms of speech that you won't find in a textbook.  If you have a Korean-speaker who is willing to help, that's great! Otherwise, you can place an ad in the local paper or online or investigate whether there are any pre-existing Korean conversation groups in the area. If you can't locate any Korean-speakers nearby, try finding one on Skype. They might be willing to exchange 15 minutes of Korean conversation for 15 minutes of English. Popular Korean messaging apps are a good way to practice, as well, because it will help you to learn more slang and to read Hangul quickly. If you need some extra motivation or feel you would learn better in a more formal setting, try signing up for a Korean language course.  Look out for language courses advertised at local colleges, schools or community centers. If you're nervous about signing up for a class by yourself, drag a friend along. You'll have more fun and also someone to practice with between classes! Get your hands on some Korean DVDs (with subtitles) or watch Korean cartoons online. This is an easy, entertaining way to get a feel for the sound and structure of the Korean language.  If you're feeling particularly proactive, try pausing the video after a simple sentence and repeat what has just been said. This will lend your Korean accent an air of authenticity! If you can't find any Korean films to buy, try renting them from a movie rental store, which often have foreign language sections. Alternatively, see if your local library has any Korean films or ask if they would be able to source some for you. Translate "learn the alphabet" or "games for babies and/or children" into Korean and then cut and paste the Hangeul Korean results into the app store search bar. The apps are simple enough for a child to use; so, you don't need to read or speak Korean to operate the app. It is also less expensive than buying DVDs. The apps teach the right way to write Korean letters; and, most have song and dance routines; also, there are puzzles and games to learn common everyday Korean vocabulary. Be careful not to buy an app that is for Korean children to solely learn English. Listening to Korean music and/or radio is another good way to surround yourself in the language. Even if you can't understand everything, try to pick out keywords to help you get the gist of what's being said.  Korean pop music is sang primarily in Korean, but some English words are sprinkled in too. Fans will often write out English translations, so you can understand the message of the song. Get a Korean radio app on your phone, so you can listen on the go. Try downloading Korean podcasts to listen to while exercising or doing housework. Once you feel comfortable with the basics of Korean speech, consider taking a trip to Korea. What better way to immerse yourself in the Korean language than a journey to its native land!
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One-sentence summary --
Find a native speaker. Consider signing up for a language course. Watch Korean films and cartoons. Find apps designed for Korean children. Listen to Korean music and radio. Consider taking a trip to South Korea.