Copper pot

[Mende]

Hey guys. I recently got this very old copper pot. .that is supposed to be a couple of hundreds of years old. ..

It's in relatively good shape but it has 2 holes in it like someone punched through with a knife.

How could I make it watertight again and still maintain the antique aura that it currently has?

[dablacksmith]

how big are the holes ? can you forge back the copper till there almost not there ? if you can ude do that then use tin to soder the holes up... Good Luck!

[Mende]

thx. .the metal is just cut ,.no missing parts ...

so ill just do as u say.. .

[jimbob]

try using brass then re-tin it...all the copper pots I've seen were put together with brass and tinned on the inside

[ladysmith]

You may not want to repair it if it's an antique.

However, if you decide to try brazing it with phoscopper rods. It's a very close match. If you've got some experience, you can "weld" it back together with copper. Check out this site for more information: Metal Sculpture step by step instructional video series

Pam

[Thomas Dean]

As Ladysmith said, if it's an antique don't mess with it. It will KILL the antique value. I also agree with the phos. repair or the copper welding option. Good luck. Pictures??

[Farmer Phil]

If you decide to repair it, get a hold of some copper of similar gage (maybe flashing?) and practice your technique(s) first. You'll want to get your fluxing down, as well as torch temp and wielding, along with feeding in the solder/brazing. It'd be good if you could use propane instead of acetylene. You'll also will want to give some thought to your pickling bath and finish needs. I wouldn't use tin solder unless you really have no concern about minimizing the notice-ability of the repair. We'd sure like to see a photo or two.