Hello again "Massplumber".. Mark, thanks most sincerely for your patience Re. my seemingly repetitive questions, I guess I didn't describe my dilemma clearly enough..
Perhaps I should have mentioned that fortunately I have absolutely no problem soldering copper joints.. My concern was an open (albeit small) flame in this particular cavity compounded by the fact that IF some of the woodwork should ignite I would have to apply water to the extreme determent of the ceiling below...

SOOO, this AM, I went to the junk bin in the garage, found an old license plate, got out my little torch and using the plate as a baffle between the old woodwork quickly soldered 2 transition fittings, I have to say, even using the plate as a heat shield I still got some slight singeing but a wet towel cured that... Should have bit the bullet at the start... Once again thanks for your time and mostly your patience... Corney

Glad you are all set. Pop back anytime... :)

You know corney you don't have to start a whole new thread each time you want to talk about this situation. Just add your comment or question at the box at the bottom of your original post.