I am going to purchase a new manifold assembly that does not have the spicket for the tub. What do I use to cut the existing copper pipes in place and can I trust the compression fittings to replace the existing joints that have been fluxed and soldered(I will not trust myself to attempt doing this method). I will never again be able to reach these pipes after I finish installing my stone in the shower, so it must be an absolute lock never to leak!!
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!! Thank you, Troll42

The plastic coming from the bottom plate is called WIRSBO? I am pretty sure that I had better not mess with it!!
Thanks again for your time!!

Hey Troll:

That is a MOEN tub and shower valve you have there... probably best to replace with a new moen shower valve... ;)

You are probably best to purchase a mini cutter (see the pics. Below) to cut the copper tubing... available at all home supply stores.

And I am afraid, that as a homeowner with no soldering experience, but you want this to last a real long time with no issues (stone wall/tile?)... then I would not use compression type fittings behind the wall, but instead I would solder this new valve in place... period!

Even the latest and greatest compression fittings can fail... especially if installed by inexperienced people.

In fact, no valve that I know of doesn't have to be soldered (or is just totally different than what we are talking about.. some valves have cpvc or PEX type adapters, but you need to transition to copper.. so like I said... some soldering or transitioning has to be done here.. and it sounds like it may not be good idea to learn how in this case).

I would hire a plumber to install this valve if I were you. Get the new valve (Moen will be a nice easy swap out and will fit inside the 2"x3" stud wall you have there.) and see if local plumber can install this quickly and easily (maybe 1/2 -1 hour work here... if you set everything up for him, should be quick, easy and cost very little... BUT MOST IMPORTANT is that you can cover it up with that stone you talked about with little to no concern... ;)

Let me know what you think... MARK

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Thank you for re-affirming my first insticnct!! Better off to hire a professional to do it correctly!! I am sure I can recruit some one from one of the jobsites that is more than capable of doing this the right way!! Thank you for your quick response and if I have any more questions, I will surely come here to get an answer!! Have a great day!!

Troll42