My first post, How ya all doing?

[facium]

I have been reading your posts for about a week now, and have finally gotten up the courage to make a post.
I have been pounding copper and aluminum sheet for about a year now (off and on). It started with a scrap piece of aluminum I started hitting with a hammer.
I have attached my first two pieces(one in copper and one in aluminum), . both are about 8.5 in. tall (not much size referance in the pics).

I have a great many questions as a lot of the proccesses for working copper discribed in your forum, I have never heard of. It sounds like there are some established methods I just don't know about. (I just hit it with a hammer till it looks the way I want).

First, what would you use pitch for?

Second, is it usual to heat the copper to soften it, because I have never done that. If I don't heat it will it lead to problems I am unaware of?

I have more questions but this will suffice for now.

Thanks,
Michael (Facium)

[triw]

Welcome and you work looks nice.

[Thomas Dean]

Howdy from East TEXAS!! and welcome to IFI! That's some VERY nice work! I don't do much copper (only roses and the like, check my gallery to see them, if you like) so I can't help you too much. I'll bet if you go to the top of the page and click on "User CP" in the green bar and update your profile stating where you are from that you may have someone close to you that can help. Shoot, maybe you could met and exchange ideas. Once again welcome. Man, that nice work....

[Glenn]

what would you use pitch for?

Pitch is a backing material to support the copper while you impress your design.

is it usual to heat the copper to soften it

Copper work hardens. Heat it, then put it into water to anneal the copper making it soft again.

I am sure there are coppersmiths out there that can explain it better and in greater detail.

[facium]

pitch is a backing material, lol never would have guessed.
sounds messy. I have been using a sandbag I made from a pair of blue jeans (just the leg)

[welder19]

Welcome, looks like you do pretty good as it is.

welder19

[facium]

Glen I have noticed the copper gets harder to work after hitting it a bit. I have just benn hitting it harder (or using a bigger hammer). this does slow down the work, I would like to give it a try.
anybody got any suggestions on what indicators I should use (color change ect.) and what i should quench it in (other than water)

[John B]

To anneal your copper, heat it allover to bright red and quench in a tank of clean water, it can be left to air cool, but obviously this takes time.

You can work copper over pitch, lead, sandbags, stakes or carpet material, each have their own characteristics, and some smiths favour one technique over others, all have their place and uses.

[facium]

thanks John, I'll try it. I'm working on a bigger sun, and am having trouble hitting it hard enough to move the copper, and still be accurate enough to make the shape I want.

[John B]

Try pushing (sinking) the dome deeper over a large ring rather than a resisting surface, it will work quicker, then push the face back to the profile and detail required after filling the void with whatever medium you favour.

Try sand and hold in place with a backing plate and duct tape if you dont like the idea of filling it with lead or repousse compound (pitch mixed with tallow +resin+plaster of paris or similar, or a Chattertons Compound)

You may be able to purchase a suitable repousse mix from a silversmith or jewellers suppliers, but it can be a messy operation.

Good luck with the project.