[TheForge] Re: copper

[theforge@mailman.qth.net]

I have no idea how the Mastermyr-era guys did it...but, sorry to say, the 
coppersmiths that I do know "tab" both edges.  Have heard them refer to it as 
a "dovetail" -- not unlike the dovetails done by woodworkers.

Jerry V
who needs to finish his own Mastermyr stuff...

<< 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) >>