[TheForge] Re: Forging copper

[James Binnion]

This thing about buss bar w berylium comes up every so often.  
Beryllium copper looks more like brass or bronze it is distinctly  
yellow cast to it. Second almost all buss bar is C101 or C102 (oxygen  
free copper) because this has the lowest IxR losses. The only time  
beryllium copper is used is when the strength that it provides is  
needed as it is quite a bit more expensive than most copper alloys.

For forging use C101, C102, C110 they are all easy to work hot or cold

Jim


On Jun 17, 2006, at 12:29 PM, Jerry Frost wrote:

> Copper buss containing beryllium is dangerous when ground, sanded  
> or brought to high heat. It's been discussed before but maybe on  
> Artmetal rather than here, I don't recall. Anyway, using it to back  
> for cutting shouldn't be a problem. I'd be hesitant to use it for a  
> chill welding though.
>
> I don't know what specific copper alloys are good for forging but I  
> bought a bar of 3/4" sq. "pure" copper a few years ago and it's  
> been a joy.
>
> It can be very hard to ID copper alloys, getting red brass confused  
> with copper is almost a given.  Red brass, silicon bronze (golden  
> yellow), etc. etc. you won't know the players without a program or  
> maybe a chemistry set.
>
> Frosty

James Binnion
jbin at well.com