Copper Smithing

I've been making up a few copper odds and ends. I do this mostly for fun.

I want to change the bail on this pot to iron




canteen cup lid




big ladle with 9 inch bowel

 

I need to do that, have a bunch of block tin, sometimes I fiddle around to much but eventually I get it done.

 

I have a notion to make one of those. My copper is fairly thick maybe a shy 1/8th inch. Wonder if that's thick enough.

 

I was considering awhile back melting scrap copper into bars to store for an economic collapse . I looked into what it would take to melt copper and finally decided the expense to melt the copper would make it not a practical endeavor . I think copper would retain value and possibly increase in value during a Venezuela type economic collapse . Perhaps I overlooked something when I was looking for a way to turn scrap copper into a more storable form . Got any advice ?

 

I've melted copper in my coal forge. I would imagine if I used a crucible I could melt the copper and pour into ingots. My granddad melted brass in a crucible in the same forge.

 

Hm. I have some copper.
What is tinning? Why does it have to be done? What does it do to the copper?
I don't have a forge...yet. lol

 

It's coating the copper with another layer of a different metal such as Tin.
It protects the copper (in this case) and is done to steel to prevent rust.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinning

Copper is reactive with some foods, especially those high in acid content.

 

you don't need a forge. copper is typically cold forged. However it needs to be annealed because it becomes work hardened. To anneal heat to a dull red with a torch and dunk it in water. It will then be soft, hammer on it a bit. As copper is hammered the tone will change indicating it is becoming work hardened. I usually anneal until the last forming, that way the copper will be work hardened. No sense having a spoon that bend easily.