Thread: copper scales??

I love the rough pitted texture of those. Kind of makes me want to pound some out when I go home for Christmas. I would imagine they aren't any heavier than the steel scales on a Wapi, which I haven't had a problem shaving with even though I learned on a much lighter razor.

I'd love to try making a set of these. Copper pipe is one of the materials available to me here in Bangkok. Would you be able to post some pictures of the other side of the scales, or a side on photo so we can all get a better idea of what you have done? Is the copper material by itself too thin to use a scale material or did you add the acrylic to give it extra strength? And what does the acrylic look like in comparison to the copper?
Anyway, thanks for giving us all a new idea.

Nice scales, cool idea !!!!

Brilliant!

The use of copper is not only asthetically attractive, it is safe too. Copper has for centuries been used for its antimicrobial properties. Basically, it kills bugs. That is why wooden ships had the hulls (below the waterline) sheathed with it and why copper roofs will last hundreds of years. There is a large push on to put copper hand rails through hospitals because just handling the stuff santizes your paws.

Nice scales!

Good move with the acrylic backing; it should prevent galvanic corrosion due to the dissimilar metals (copper scales/steel blade).

Matt

Originally Posted by mbf4755

Nice scales!

Good move with the acrylic backing; it should prevent galvanic corrosion due to the dissimilar metals (copper scales/steel blade).

Matt

That was my first thought when I saw this. To the person that asked about using just copper, I recommend the acrylic backing for this very reason.

I would be concerned about electrolysis. Not the kind that women do on the upper lip but the kind that rots out metal of a different base. Quite frequently you can see these effects when copper and steel water pipes are connected. If you can electricaly isolate the steel blade from the copper scales you might have something.

By the way one of the traditional accepted methods of combining copper and steel water pipes is with a section of brass pipe. A brass pivot pin my or may not cause electrolytic rot.

All that being said, I would like to know how this turns out.

CraigJ, the acrylic should take care of that.

Originally Posted by DPflaumer

I love the rough pitted texture of those. Kind of makes me want to pound some out when I go home for Christmas. I would imagine they aren't any heavier than the steel scales on a Wapi, which I haven't had a problem shaving with even though I learned on a much lighter razor.

I have to agree! Love the texture. Reminds me of an Irish pub down home...the bar top was riveted sheets of brass. Added a little something to the atmosphere, and the hand hammering was evident.

And as for the Wapi's, I think I kinda like the heavier scales Certainly more than the lightweight ones that you hardly know are there.

That is awesome man! With regards to oxidizing. Would camellia do the trick? Also you can try Renaissance wax. They've many applications.

Restoration, Preservation, Conservation