[TheForge] Working copper

[Darrell]

DO NOT use lead if the cauldron will be used for human consumption
Darrell

http://www.machinemaster.com


----- Original Message -----
From: <PlumDon@aol.com>
To: <theforge@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2002 5:31 AM
Subject: [TheForge] Working copper


> Morning, Folks
>
> You folks are such a great source of information and I greatly appreciate
> that which has been offered in the past. In similar fashion I wonder if I
> might solicit a bit of advice on working some copper.
>
> I have  volunteered to make a couple things for the Mastermyr exhibit at the
> ABANA conference and finally getting to it. To wit: a cauldron and an adz. No
> problem with the adz but the copper cauldron is a bit more difficult than I
> anticipated. There is one particular aspect of it that I am unsure about and
> I would like to stay as close to a 1000 year old Viking production technique
> as possible. But I would like to know what is the current technique, also.
>
> It has to do with what I know as 'cramping', the joining of two edges
> together. The way I do it is to thin or scarf the edges of both ends to be
> joined back about 1/4". Then I file or sand it smooth and clean. Then on one
> edge I cut cramps or slits that go back as far as the scarf, about 1/4".
> These, then are tabs that can be alternately bent up and down. The other
> scarfed edge is inserted between them, the tabs are knocked down and the
> joint fluxed and soldered.
>
> The question is this: I have had some tell me that both edges need to be
> cramped or tabbed. You do one edge and then place it on the other and mark
> and cut matching tabs. This GREATLY adds to the time, difficulty, etc., of
> making a joint. I think this is unnecessary. My single cramped joints seem to
> be holding well and I can usually flatten and bend them on the anvil with a
> hammer. (Up to a point)
>
> Can anyone share their experiences or recommendations with me on this
> process? Also re prep for soldering. The cauldron is thin, being made of
> about .020 copper and is about 20" in diameter with six separate pieces used
> to make up the sides and thus require this edge joining.
>
> Also, could someone make recommendations re flux and solder for this joint?
> All I have around is some Stay-Clean flux and some Canfield no lead solder.
> But I am beginning to suspect that some lead solder might be better.
>
> Kindest thanks for any help
>
> Don Plummer
> Phoenixville, PA
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