using wood for a backing plate instead of copper?

CRA · Post by **CRA** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 6:55 am

wood!! lol

sorry just getting to my ten post

WOOD!! LOL what are we in like 44\45 Germany have you not something better LOL

Post by **weasel** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 2:12 pm

MrKrink....
I now understand the wood factor. Its not for the build, but the wood you get after the build!
LOL

Post by **scatter cat** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 11:14 pm

You can pick up copper bus bar on e-bay cheap if your not in to big of a hurry I have bought several new pieces at not much more than scrap price.

vulcan762 · Post by **vulcan762** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 10:32 am

The scrap yard is the best source for metals.

I have two close to me. One is for steel only and is where I source steel plate, cold rolled steel and other products. They will usually offer a cutting service at additional charges.

The other only handles copper, brass, and aluminum.
This is where I find my aluminum plate and rod for making jigs etc. The copper and brass are in various forms.

The best part is the price. What ever the going rate for the scrap metal Im buying is what I pay. Today heavy scrap copper will run me $1.67 per pound LTL. The LTL means Less than Truck Load. Aluminum is at $0.80 per pound LTL.

It is common for these places to save nice peices of plate and rod specifically for consumers.

Post by **Colorado1919** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 5:31 am

I have been told that copper might give off poisonous gases when heated that high. How do you draw the fumes away from you without messing up your welding gas envlope? Or do you use some form of mask? What type of mask would you use? Hope that's not to many questions.

Oh if I'm wrong about the poisonous gases I never thought much of what this guy says anyway. But it's better safe than sorry.

Post by **88comm** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 6:30 pm

I have heard of poison gases from welding galvanized, but never copper. As a pure element, there is little in the way of added chemicals to alloy copper. The lead used when soldering copper tubing is a whole lot more dangerous than the copper is. (can't buy lead solder any more for that reason). I think you're pretty safe. With MIG my copper hardly had enough time to heat up, much less give off gas.

Post by **Colorado1919** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 3:30 am

Thanx 88comm i thought this guy was full of it. It's not the first time he's tried to stear me wrong. I thuoght It would be better to find out to make sure.

Post by **justashooter** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 6:44 am

copper is not a health hazzard when used as a backing. the zinc in galvanising is not good for you, and the chromium in stainless steel welding is real bad ju-ju.

mg555 · Post by **mg555** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 1:30 pm

Lots of good information in this thread. Thanks to all.

MrKrink · Post by **MrKrink** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 6:14 am

mg555 wrote:Lots of good information in this thread. Thanks to all.

yes yes, thank you