Thread: The Butcher Shop

Thank you, sir. I was really screwing around and used two pennies glued together as the wedge. I probably should have asked for some advice before doing that as I have no idea how that will hold up in the long run or if the copper plating will jack up or discolor the wood at the wedge, but I thought it was a fun idea at the time and had to try it out.

Originally Posted by LouiePete

Thank you, sir. I was really screwing around and used two pennies glued together as the wedge. I probably should have asked for some advice before doing that as I have no idea how that will hold up in the long run or if the copper plating will jack up or discolor the wood at the wedge, but I thought it was a fun idea at the time and had to try it out.

Just be careful not to get that wet. Copper and zinc have a good difference in standard reduction potential, so you'll get degradation (and possibly some current) if an electrolyte is present (the same way you can make a battery out of pennies).

edit: not really a caveat though, as it's a pretty slow process

Thanks for the tip. I will do my best to keep the universal solvent off of the wedge.

Originally Posted by LouiePete

Thank you, sir. I was really screwing around and used two pennies glued together as the wedge. I probably should have asked for some advice before doing that as I have no idea how that will hold up in the long run or if the copper plating will jack up or discolor the wood at the wedge, but I thought it was a fun idea at the time and had to try it out.

yes the copper lifts VERY quickly from the zinc pennies. 1982 is the last year of copper pennies. Easy to find, and the only way i'd do it, as I've dug many zinc pennies from the ground and they always look like they've been dipped in acid before hitting the dirt. I recommend keeping that spacer oiled/waxed and dry.