2"x6"x1/2" Cu bars, what to do with them

[cg 2005]

Today I got 13 bars of copper, 2"x6"x1/2" at my scrap dealer. I don't know why I picked them up. I guess because I don't have any copper to work.

So what should I make and do they machine like aluminum or more like brass?

I took a couple of shallow cuts and it seems to work more like brass.

 

[metalmaster]

they make great weld backing bars, makes it easy to get full penetration on butt welds.

also great if you need to build up a weld on a broken part.


mike

 

[cg 2005]

they make great weld backing bars, makes it easy to get full penetration on butt welds.

also great if you need to build up a weld on a broken part.


mike

Unfortunately I have not taught myself to weld yet. It is next on my list after I get the foundry up and running.

 

[Tony Wells]

Good in electric/electronic work for buss bars. Pure Cu isn't all that useful for making tools, for instance. But for decorative work it is.

 

[george wilson]

I just HATE having to turn copper. Snarly as can be. Silver is not a good turning metal either. It has copper in it,and is a soft,snarly metal by itself.

 

[RWL]

they make great weld backing bars, makes it easy to get full penetration on butt welds.

also great if you need to build up a weld on a broken part.


mike

Does brass stock work as well / almost as well as copper as a weld backing material?

 

[metalmaster]

I have used brass, and sometimes even aluminum when copper was not available.


mike

 

[RWL]

I have used brass, and sometimes even aluminum when copper was not available.


mike

Do either brass or aluminum melt under the material being welded? I suspect that copper absorbs so much heat that it does not melt.

 

[wolframore]

Make a set of soft jaws for your vice. It will keep from marring things.

 

[cg 2005]

Make a set of soft jaws for your vice. It will keep from marring things.

Very nice. I make five sets, one for each vise.