crafting copper kettle (hammered) asking for general advice from metal workers

[criptrap]

Hi I was able to trade a neighbor 2 cases of IPA for this 30 inch by 6 inch copper bowl which I intend to hammer (sober) into a kettle. I don't have much of a back ground in metal work but am trying to learn. Looking for suggestions for ideal dimensions general tips etc. Also anyone know how can I get a spigot on this thing if I am able to craft it with out putting a crack in it? It was originally a fire bowl.

 

[day_trippr]

I think you're likely biting into a big chunk, but wth, it was only two cases of IPA

You'll definitely want to employ heat to soften (aka "anneal") the copper before starting, and probably need to repeat that softening treatment along the way. Copper is "work hardened" and subject to fracturing if you work it too much before re-softening.

As for adding any fittings, that part is trivial. Drill the appropriate size hole, and silver solder the fitting. If you get that far, you've done wicked pissah good work

Cheers - and good luck!

 

[WortMonger]

I'd look for a place to spin it into shape in your area. Then it would be professional, but that is just me. Otherwise, take day trippr's advice and make sure you heat it prior to hammering. If you don't, you will break the metal, and that looks like it has been set by heat in its form due to fires. It will be hard to work it hot, but I think that is your only shot at a useful outcome. Check metal spinners in your area, I think you will be surprised that someone could do it cheaper than buying an equivalent sized copper pot.

 

[52pickup]

I wrote out a LONG in-depth answer to this... and then the power went out as I was proof reading it...

So the reader's digest version is this:

Like the others said you need to anneal. Heat it to dull red, then cool, either air or water doesn't matter. You need to stretch a ring around the center where the bottom will turn into the side. Use a big hammer with a rounded face and beat it into a sand bag. Whenever you sense the metal becoming harder to work, you need to anneal again.

Once you have that area stretched down to where you have a semi-flat area for the bottom, you need to planish it to even it out. Using a broad faced hammer with very little crown LIGHTLY hit the metal over a solid backing. A good chunk of steel that has been thoroughly smoothed will do.

Now, the sides... Look up "Tuck shinking" on youtube. You ought to be pretty good at it by the time you finish this project because you have a LOT of shrinking to do.


That is the quick version. Your success will depend greatly on how thick the material is. If you have more questions, I'd be glad to help.

Other than that, Good Luck!:rockin:

 

[52pickup]

Oh, and check out All MetalShaping - Powered by vBulletin and Metal Artist Forum ~ MAF ~ The fusion of metal, passion of art, and forging of knowledge for research and inspiration!

 

[Runyanka]

Or....use it to deep fry carnitas in :rockin:

 

[outside92129]

Wow, criptrap is aiming high! I want to see how this progresses, please keep us informed.

Btw, here's your target!
COPPER STOCK POTS

FYI, your copper fire pot is going for ~$200 online, so you got a good deal with 2 cases of homebrew (i'm assuming).
30″ Copper Hammered Fire Pit

 

[FSR402]

Wow, criptrap is aiming high! I want to see how this progresses, please keep us informed.

Btw, here's your target!
COPPER STOCK POTS

FYI, your copper fire pot is going for ~$200 online, so you got a good deal with 2 cases of homebrew (i'm assuming).
30″ Copper Hammered Fire Pit

Yup and when you bust it open you can just turn it in for scrap.