[TheForge] cutting 1/4 copper

[Bob Ehrenberger]

----Original message-----

Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2005 10:15:27 -0400
From: "Kevin D" <flyinpig at go-concepts.com>
Subject: [TheForge] cutting 1/4 copper

How about a redsmithing question to break the lull?

Last year a local scrap yard had some copper for sale, so I bought a couple
hundred pounds at $1/lb.  So a buddy of mine would like a chunk out of a
~4'x5'x 1/4" plate that I'd bought.  We spent an hour and a half chiseling
down both sides until it was scored and work hardened enough to lay it on a
4x4 and jump on it to break it along the chisel line.

We'd tried setting up a fence and cutting it with a sawzall, but it wouldn't
cut straight.  The blade flexed too easily, perhaps too much pressure?
Anyway, anyone got any better ideas on how to cut out pieces?

Kevin Donahoe
Flying Pig Forge
Morrow, OH 45152
flyinpig at go-concepts.com

----Reply----

How about using a shear. It's kind of a pain keeping everything lined up but
should cut pretty easy even if it is only a couple inches at a time.

I cut 14 ga. steel on my beverly #2.  If you set up a work rest to support
the sheet you can get it all lined up, make the cut, and then get it lined
up for the next cut.  Shouldn't take more than 15 sec for each cut.

Robert Ehrenberger
Shelbyville, Mo.