Why conventional optical elemnts can not applicable in X-ray region?
I am assuming a copper pipe (soldering won't work on most other metals)). The joint has to be really clean. Use sandpaper to clean the pipe and a joint brush to clean the inside of the fitting. Be sure to clean the edge of the fitting, too. Stir the flux well since it will separate after sitting for a while. Put a thin coat of flux on both the pipe and the inside of the joint. Assemble the two pieces. Thoroughly heat the joint with your torch. Once the joint is hot, remove the torch. The joint needs to be hot enough that it melts the solder without the torch. Apply soldier around the joint, letting the heat of the fitting melt the soldier and draw it into the joint. As the joint cools, wipe it clean with a rag (careful, it is still hot!) to remove any flux left on the joint. Residual flux will cause corrosion later, leading to leaks. Good luck!
Driving from Wa to Ca is do-able in a 2-wd car. The Washington highways are usually clear down the I-5 corridor to Portland (unless you get some odd weather between now and then). Oregon is mostly flat going down I-5, so should not pose too much trouble. Check weather for major cities along your route if you are concerned. Going over Mt. Shasta into California may be your only problem. The Ca. DOT will plow the roads to keep them as open as possible, but you should carry traction devices (cable chains, or put on studded tires, for example) just in case you would need them to get over the hill. I used to drive truck that route years ago, and never used chains, nor saw problems with cars getting through (unless there were temporary closures due to white-outs, etc). Good luck.
