[TheForge] Etching Damascus

[James Binnion]

Copper does not need to be quenched to attain maximum softness, even  
allowing it to air cool will result in the same hardness as quenching  
from a red heat.

On Nov 21, 2006, at 6:13 PM, Roger R Degner wrote:

> Mix a capful of the dry crystal with 5 gal of water.
> Heat the copper a dull red and quench in the mix
> This softens the copper so it can be worked again with out cracking.
> If you take the cold copper out right away it will be varying red  
> color
> depending on how hot the copper was when it was quenched.  If you want
> the copper pink leave it in to work
> At a copper vase class we were told the HTH ph minus (sodium  
> bisulphate)
> was the same as sparex but a lot cheaper and easier to find.  Wal-Mart
> in pool chemical section.  Be aware the bottle next to it is PH  
> plus and
> that doesn't do anything you need.
>
> We use liver of sulfur for the dark patina the HTH PH Minus is the
> cleaner and I soften the copper in it because it is sitting next to  
> the
> forge.
>
> Don't quench steel in the bucket you have been doing copper in as  
> it can
> copper coat your steel.
>
> Have been doing a few Roycroft style pieces as taught by Don
> Newunswander (SP)
>
> Roger R Degner
>
>
>
> Roger,
>
> How do you use pH Minus with copper?  Do you quench/anneal the hot
> copper in it?  Does it keep the copper bright or does it give a  
> patina?
>
> Aubrey
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net on behalf of Roger R Degner
> Sent: Tue 11/21/2006 4:24 PM
> To: 'Sponsored by ABANA'
> Subject: RE: [TheForge] Etching Damascus
>
>
>
> The PH minus is what a bunch of use who do copper vases are using  
> as the
> pickle and quench solution for the anneal. I think we have Tom Latane'
> convinced to switch from high strength vinegar to the ph minus for his
> descale soak for his steel work between the forging operation and the
> filing stage.
>
> Roger R Degner
>
>
>
>
>
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James Binnion
jbin at well.com