Melting and working copper

**cavscout** · 11th February 10, 04:56 PM

Through some of my belts I've ended up with a lot of copper "nubs" that add up to the makings of something but I need to melt it down into one large chunk. It appears that with enough propane I might can get to it's melting point but wanted to get any recommendations from any of you lads who may have already blazed the trail. I don't plan on this being a recurring project (at least at this point) but if I can manage a bracelet or something out of these leftovers with items I have on hand it could be a fun diversion. Thanks in advance.

**Detroitpete** · 11th February 10, 05:28 PM

Scout,
I sometimes work in copper for sculpture. I find that using mapp gas works better than propane. You should be able to get it in the same size containers as propane.

**tyger** · 12th February 10, 05:22 AM

Hey Steve

A good review of metal working gasses can be found here:
http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nena...sing-torch.htm

Copper melts at 1083 C (1982 F). An oxygen system that uses acetylene, propane, natural gas, MAPP, or hydrogen will accomplish the task that you have in mind. The copper will need to be fired in a crucible. You are welcome to come burn stuff in the Forge, but unfortunately, my air/acetylene torch won't do the job.

**cavscout** · 12th February 10, 06:33 AM

Thanks guys! At least no one said it's "not gonna happen"

. From what I've seen on youtube, it appears copper doesn't stay in liquid form for very long after being removed from the heat. Is that the case? I know it retains heat very long but how long will my work time be whether I hammer or cast it?

**tyger** · 12th February 10, 07:05 AM

Originally Posted by cavscout

how long will my work time be whether I hammer or cast it?

Like Johnny Cash said: "You gotta be faster than kiss a duck!"

I am not a caster, but you just don't have much time at all. A few seconds.

Silver, gold, and pewter have relatively long pot times. That is why you see a lot of goods cast from those metals, and not much cast brass (copper/zinc), or cast copper.

Bronze is much better medium for casting because it is a tin/copper alloy. Steve, you could add tin to your copper and make bronze, and cast that, but be careful, and use ventilation.