Simple Solutions | Quick Ship Metals News-Blog

Selecting Copper for Art or Craft Projects

Feb 162010

Copper comes in many forms and thicknesses. Copper sheet is thick, ridged and can be difficult to bend and cut by hand, but it is strong and durable. Copper flashing is flexible and has a soft temper which means it can be more easily formed and cut by hand. Although used primarily in roofing applications, copper flashing has many craft and decorating uses. Copper foil is the thinnest and most flexible copper sheeting available. We also stock a good selection of aluminum and stainless crafting foils. The flexibility and durability varies with the specific thickness of the foil used.

Selecting the right thickness and flexibility of copper foil or copper sheeting for an art project is not difficult once you have some comparative information to go by. Listed below is a brief explanation of some of the cutting and forming characteristics of copper foil and copper sheeting to consider when determining the correct thickness of material for your requirements.

.001″ copper foil - Can tear with fingers, cuts perfectly with normal scissors, really feels like aluminum foil that you would find in your kitchen cabinet.

.003″ copper foil – Can not tear with fingers, cuts perfectly with normal scissors, easily shaped by hand.

.005″ copper foil - Cuts perfectly with normal scissors, shaped easily by hand, retains shape but still fairly flimsy.

.010″ copper foil - Can still be cut with scissors, shaped easily by hand, can make 90 degree bends by hand, retains shape well.

.0216″ copper coil - Need metal snips to cut, can be bent by hand, 90 degree bends by hand are difficult.

If you’re still not sure what thickness you need? Just give us a call at 1-888-334-2177 and we will be glad to help you out.

Copper is a safe alternate for controlling some insects

Copper Curiosities, Simple Solutions

Dec 312009

By Frank Ross

In addition to copper’s amazing properties, it is also an effective tool for controlling other bothersome pests such as mosquitoes and slugs.

Photo by Robin Rosetta.

People living in damp climates, such as the Pacific Northwest, are often plagued with slimy, creeping, plant-eating slugs. There are about 40 different kinds of slugs living in the U.S., but only about half of them are considered pests. The good news is, you don’t have to know what kind of slug you have because the methods of control are the same for all of them.

Slugs have voracious appetites and can destroy a garden over night if enough of them slither in. While chemicals are available, a far safer method of controlling slugs is to set up barriers of copper strips. Some people even use a line of copper pennies to establish a barrier that snails can’t cross. Although these coins current value is probably greater for their recycled metal, strips of copper sheeting are far easier to work with and less likely to be disturbed.

According to University of Idaho extension entomologist Bob Stoltz, there is an environmentally friendly method that repels slugs and doesn’t put harmful chemicals into the soil. Barriers made of strips of copper sheeting work very well because copper causes a reaction with the slug’s mucous that is similar to an electric shock, and that is what repels the slugs.

Making your own copper barriers is simple. Cut the copper sheeting into strips at least two or three inches wide and place them along the edge of your garden’s border, pressing the metal down approximately one inch into the soil. Just make sure you’ve removed all of the slugs from the area you are encircling, or you’ll be keeping the slugs inside instead of out.

You can also use copper strips to prevent slugs from climbing the trunks of trees. If you attach the strips at the end using paperclips instead of a permanent seal, the copper strips will be able to expand as the tree grows and the trunk expands.

The all too familiar droning hum of an approaching mosquito is standard fare during summer months, and in warmer climates there really is no down time for this deadly driller. That’s right; a mosquito’s bite can be far more serious than an itching whelp.

These pesky insects may be small, but each year their bite spreads diseases to more than 700 million people worldwide. Mosquito borne diseases include malaria, and viruses such as dengue, encephalitis and yellow fever. And, don’t forget about heartworms in pets.

Copper can’t help you once these bugs are airborne, but the best method of killing mosquitoes is when they’re in the early stages of development. Mosquitoes deposit their larvae in standing water. Without water they can’t reproduce, so the first line of defense is to make sure there are no reservoirs of standing water around your home. It doesn’t have to be much water either, water in the bottoms of planters or birdbaths are common sources for breeding bugs. The best option is to have no standing water, but in areas where it rains a lot this becomes a weekly if not daily task.

A better solution is to take copper scraps and drop them into areas that hold water. Copper leeches into the water and the copper solution is toxic to mosquito larva. A solution of copper water will kill mosquito larva before they can mature. Before you start sprinkling copper scraps into water, remember it is toxic to tropical fish and invertebrates as well, but if your water has tropical fish in it, they should be eating the mosquito larvae.

You may have to do some experimenting to determine how much copper to put into the various places where you need to establish mosquito control, but it doesn’t take much. Start out with a few short pieces of copper tubing or strips of copper sheeting and come back in a few days to see if you have little wiggling larvae in your water. If so, just add a little more copper.

For controlling insects, other than mosquitoes and slugs, copper is still effective. Simply place the insect between two pieces of copper and press hard!

For more information on slugs and gardening issues, check out the Oregon State University Web site.

And, for all your copper sheeting needs, contact the staff at quickshipMetals.com

A QSM Gift Certificate - Rob Kohl's Gift Was Perfect!

Metal Art, Problem Solved, Simple Solutions

Dec 182009

Metal artist Rob Kohl’s parents know when it’s time for holiday gift giving, there’s nothing that will be appreciate more than raw materials for their son’s beautiful creations.

That’s why they just ordered a gift certificate for Rob to purchase the copper he needs to continue his creative efforts. By now, it has arrived at his studio, and he’s probably online picking out metal his next project.

Gift certificates always fit, the first time! And, when they enable you to do the things you love, that makes it a perfect gift.

I recently featured some of Rob’s work on this blog, and if you missed it, please take time to read: Rob Kohl Creates Magic With Metal.

If you need to purchase a gift for someone who uses metal, let the friendly folks at QuickShipMetals.com shorten your shopping list.

Tinning Coppers & Sheets

Fun Projects, Simple Solutions

Dec 172009

This video produced by the Copper Development Association describes how to tin copper and the sheet you’d like to solder. It covers cleaning, marking, flux and solder. You will also learn how to create a lap seam, and discusses cleanup as well as inspecting to ensure the job is done properly.

Making Copper Sheet Fence Post Caps

Copper Curiosities, Problem Solved, Simple Solutions

Dec 162009

By Chris Granger

Imagine this: You’re about to build yourself a nice fence that’s about twenty-five posts long and you decide to both decorate and protect it from natural rotting with some copper post caps. However, when you go to the store, you realize that at five bucks a cap, this project suddenly skyrockets in expense! Why not save yourself some money and create these easy-to-make copper sheet caps on your own? Copper cap

To start, you’ll need a scrap piece of 4 x 4 fence post (or 6 x 6) about three feet long, a circular saw to create the form on the top of the scrap post, a wooden mallet (preferably hardwood with a 3 inch diameter) to hammer the copper sheet around the form, the copper sheet itself and a pair of metal cutters. The recommended copper sheet is a soft temper, .021 inch thick copper sheet (also known as 24-gauge or 16-oz. copper sheet).

First, you will want to figure out what shape you want the post cap to be.
A basic triangular tip is a good choice. So, using the circular saw, cut the form (your piece of scrap post) to the desired shape.

Second, you might have to experiment, but cut the copper to the correct size for your particular post cap design. I might recommend using some scrap metal to experiment instead of valuable copper sheet. But it’s your choice.

Once you have your cutout, you can anneal the copper sheet to make it more pliable. However, the annealing is completely optional and not entirely necessary due to the copper sheet already being quite soft. Nevertheless, annealing is simply heating the copper sheet for an extended period of time, usually until it is glowing, and then allowing it to cool slowly. This heating can be performed with a common blowtorch.

Next, no matter if you choose to anneal or not, use the mallet to bend the copper around the form. A good technique for working the copper sheet is to pound the mallet in the way you want the metal to bend. This will work best if you can draw the mallet directly towards yourself while hammering.

Finally, to add a nice shine to the copper sheet cap, apply some sealant to keep the it bright and corrosion free.

And…Viola! You now have a beautiful copper sheet post cap! On a final note, be sure to wear eye protection and all the necessary safety equipment while operating any potentially dangerous tools. Hope you enjoy your new post caps!

If you would like more information on copper sheet with soft temper, select this link copper sheet for a fence post cap.

Cleaning Stainless Steel

Simple Solutions

Dec 042009

By Frank Ross

Stainless steel kitchen backsplash Like any material exposed to our environment, stainless steel will need to be cleaned from time to time for aesthetic reasons and to preserve the corrosion resistance of the surface. Accumulated oils, dirt, dust and contaminates can reduce this alloy’s beauty and effectiveness.

Depending on the environment where the stainless steel is installed or used, contaminates will vary greatly as will their impact on appearance, corrosivity and difficulty of cleaning. Most contaminates are easily removed with hot, soapy water. More stubborn contaminates may require specific cleaners for effective removal. A mild non-scratching, abrasive powder, applied with a soft bristle brush, sponge or clean cloth normally remove any offending elements.

Naturally, the finish of the surface will have an impact on the method of cleaning as well as the method of application. Even the finest cleaning powders can scratch or burnish a mill-rolled finish. When cleaning polished finishes always rub or wipe in the direction of the polish lines in the metal’s surface. Where possible, always rinse surfaces thoroughly with clean water and wipe dry where streaking occurs.

Ordinary carbon steel brushes or steel wool should never be used when cleaning stainless steel surfaces. They may leave particles embedded on the surface which can lead to rusting. The simplest, safest and least costly method of cleaning is always the best choice; and remember, stainless steel surfaces perform well with frequent cleaning because there is no surface coating to wear off. For more stubborn oils, oxidized fingerprints and grease, the preferred solvent is one that does not contain chlorine, such as acetone, methyl alcohol or mineral spirits.
Household cleaners fall into two categories; detergent (non-abrasive) and abrasive. Both are effective for mild dirt, stain and soil deposits as well as routine removal of light oils such as fingerprints. Abrasive cleaners may produce faster results, but they may also introduce the possibility of scratching the surface. The degree of abrasiveness varies greatly with the many different brands, and they also vary widely with respect to the amount of chloride and acidity they contain. A neutral cleaner, low in chloride is preferred unless the user is certain the surface can be thoroughly rinsed after the cleaning process. A label that states “for stainless steel” is no guarantee the product is not abrasive, not acidic or low in chloride.

As with any cleaner being used for the first time, it is best to do a test spot in an area that is not prominent.

Solar Energy, Copper on the Cutting Edge

Copper Curiosities, Simple Solutions

Dec 032009

Solar panels hold great promise for reducing our dependence on fossil fuel.

While there aren’t two experts that agree on what the world’s total fossil fuel reserves might be, one thing they’re sure about is we are definitely using it up!

For some time now, scientists and engineers have been focused on the development of alternative energy, with an emphasis on sources that are renewable, efficient and of course affordable. One of the most promising sources for alternative energy is the sun.

Every two weeks, the sun’s rays falling on the earth delivers the equivalent of the fossil energy stored in all of the earth’s known coal, oil and natural gas reserves! The challenge is harnessing it by developing technologies that dramatically reduce our dependence on non-renewable fossil fuel resources.

From the very beginning, copper has been a key component in efforts to harness solar energy, and continues to be a bright spot of encouragement in the development of these solar renewable energy systems. Back in 1927, a copper-copper oxide metal-semiconductor junction solar cell was first demonstrated, but these early solar cells had very low energy conversion efficiencies. Today, researchers are investigating a copper semiconductor called copper indium selenide, which has demonstrated some success in solar cell applications and shows promise for the future. Another copper compound being investigated is cuprous sulfide.

The single most expensive consumer of electricity in our homes is the hot water heater, so if you can reduce the amount of electricity used in this one area it can be a significant savings. Solar collection systems made with copper, and its alloys brass and bronze are being installed in many parts of the world to provide heat and hot water for homes and businesses. For people living in the Sun Belt, solar heaters can provide up to 91% of a user’s annual hot water requirements. Further away from the equator, in more temperate climates, the percentage drops, but is still a significant portion when you consider the savings of over 40%.

Also, in hot climates, solar water heating systems can also be used to heat swimming pools. Solar panels made of copper are the key component in these energy collection systems. Since copper doesn’t degrade from UV radiation or develop pinholes or flexural stresses that lead to system leakage, copper solar panels often last a lifetime.

Copper’s many positive attributes continue to play an important role in our daily lives, often without our being aware of its importance or presence. You need copper? quickshipMetals.com

A Copper Connection to Killing Germs in Your Kitchen!

Copper Curiosities, Simple Solutions

Nov 302009

By Frank Ross

Invite any copper surface into your home, and you’ll be a lot safer for having done so.

The Chop 'N Thaw antimicrobial copper cutting surface and defroster plate is a kitchen innovation sold only at QuickShipMetals.com.

Copper is a natural germ killer that every homeowner should welcome inside, because it has the ability to terminate tens of thousands of microbes on contact. And, it’s not just copper but all of its alloys! According to the Copper Development Association (CDA), uncoated copper and copper alloys kill more than 99.9% of disease-causing bacteria. In recognition of this well-documented research, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered 275 copper alloys as antimicrobial materials, in February of 2008.

To help customers take advantage of this new research, all Copper Kitchen products sold by Quick Ship Metals, a division of Storm Copper, are made of uncoated copper. There is no substitute for good hygiene and sanitation, but copper and its alloys appear to hold the potential to become a major part of an overall program to protect our health. Recently, a major study was initiated to evaluate the effectiveness of copper in reducing infections in hospitals.

Closer to our daily lives, health experts say the kitchen contains more germs than any other room in our homes and cutting boards are a real bacterial bonanza. It’s the cracks and crevices in a cutting board that harbor bacteria, by providing them a secluded space to grow and avoid contact. Most people wash a cutting board, but they don’t disinfect it. When you cut up a chicken, wash the board off with soap and water, then cut up vegetables for a salad, you are playing Russian roulette with your family’s health.

To protect your family, you could disinfect your cutting board after every use, or use separate boards for meat and vegetables. But a simpler and environmentally smarter solution would be to use a copper cutting board that kills the germs without the use of harsh chemicals. With copper you get dead germs without exposing your skin or nose and lungs to chemicals. More importantly, you won’t wash those harsh chemicals down the sink drain where they could ultimately end up in our ground water.

A copper cutting board – like Quick Ship Metals’ Chop ‘N Thaw - not only kills 99.9% of germs, it thaws your frozen foods in half the time. The natural beauty of copper also adds a special touch to any kitchen. So, you can protect your family, cut down on time in the kitchen, and improve the décor. Looks like copper is the natural born germ killer you could learn to love!

Check out some of the great copper kitchen products at : Quick Ship Metals.com

For more detailed information on the antimicrobial properties of copper, visit Copper.org.

Get "Juiced" Anywhere, Thanks to Copper

Copper Curiosities, QuickShipMetals Announcements, Simple Solutions

Nov 302009

By Frank Ross

Now you can recharge your favorite electronics communication devices, thanks to the amazing nature of copper, and the innovative "Juice Bag."

Technology has become such an integral part of our daily lives, it’s hard to remember what life was like without the intrusion of that familiar ring-tone announcing a cell phone call, text message or email needing attention. While some may feel these devices are overwhelming or unnecessary, for today’s active lifestyles personal communications devices are mandatory.

Now that high-tech devices have broken down the barriers which kept us tethered to a physical location, conducting business or checking the latest sports news in a coffee shop, beach side resort or golf course is considered the norm, and those who don’t the “abnormal.” The one challenge all of these savvy communicators face is the dreaded tone or flashing symbol announcing the unthinkable – LOW BATTERY!

Today, thanks to the highly conductive and flexible nature of copper, a low-battery warning doesn’t have to mean the end of your remote connectivity. The Atlanta-based company Reware has developed a portable charging system that uses the innovative copper-based CIGS (Copper-Indium-Gallium Sulfide) solar film. Reware’s introduction of the “Juice Bag,” which is available in several popular styles, has the potential to solve this problem and provide unlimited mobility. The bag gets its name from its ability to “juice up” or recharge your favorite electronic devices. This multifunction bag features a built-in electronic charging station that can recharge small electronic devices, including satellite, cell phones, GPS units, PDAs, iPods, MP3 players and digital cameras.

To accommodate different lifestyles, the Reware Juice Bags are sold as backpacks, totes and messenger bags, convenient for travelers, campers, hikers, fishermen, students and business professionals.

The Reware Juice Bag weighs the same as an average backpack and comes equipped with a built-in universal socket into which a variety of devices can be plugged. A light-weight, copper-based solar panel located on the outside of the bag captures the sun’s energy and charges the system as you go about your daily activities. The time it takes to charge an electronic device is equivalent to the time it takes using a standard electrical outlet— between two and six hours.

Henry Gentenaar, a managing partner at Reware, said they carry the largest selection of solar bags using CIGS technology and, “Thanks to the sturdy composition of the copper-based solar film, Reware bags are high quality and durable.”

The use of CIGS technology in this product not only highlights the progress of solar panel design, but also illustrates the significant role that copper is playing in the advancement of mainstream solar panel usage.

“The great thing about using copper-based panels is that they are very powerful and rugged. We chose copper-based technology because it’s reliable,” Gentenaar added.

For years, copper has been the metal of choice for HVAC, plumbing and building and construction needs because of its durability, recyclability and thermal and electrical conductivity.

“This is really exciting new technology, and it’s no surprise that copper is an enabler in it,” said Bob Weed, vice president of OEM for the Copper Development Association. “In today’s mobile world, a portable electronic charging station is a must have for anyone who wants to stay connected.”

Farhad Moghadam, CEO of Ascent Solar, a Colorado-based company which produces copper-based CIGS solar film, said that the copper solar technology’s efficiency makes it ideal for solar backpacks. Moghadam explained that the use of copper cells carries the benefit of weight reduction, which is a big concern for manufacturers of solar back packs. The thin nature of the copper-based material (only a few microns thick) makes them lightweight and portable, and surprisingly durable for outdoor recreational activities.

“Copper’s electrical and thermal conductivity is what makes it so valuable in increasing the efficiency of CIGS solar technology,” said Moghadam.
The copper film can be manufactured at lower temperatures than other materials, decreasing the manufacturing cost. Solar backpacks for consumers would never have been possible without the decrease in cost of manufacturing attributed to copper.

Several companies, including Sunload and Clear Blue Hawaii, are incorporating copper-based solar panels in their own versions of portable electronic charging stations for the consumer. Along with the solar backpack line, Reware plans to launch portable charging mats that fold to the size of a magazine and can be unfolded to create a charging station. These are popular in military applications, and will soon be available to the public. Gentenaar plans to have the product launched in early 2010.

See the full line of Reware products at their online store: Reware Solar Bags

Copper Cleaning, the Easy Way

Simple Solutions

Nov 032009

By Frank Ross

One of the most desirable aspects of copper is the natural beauty it possesses when polished and shined. Keeping it in that condition doesn’t have to be time consuming or labor intensive.

I’m sure there are those out there who have accumulated a few years, and can recall a mother or grandmother cleaning copper with caustic solutions that were so dangerous that gloves were required. These dangerous solutions had to be used in a well-ventilated area or preferably outside where spills are not an issue.

To be sure, these time-worn techniques worked, though some better than others, and more often than not it was a lengthy process. One technique I recall required a shallow bowl that was wide enough to accommodate the pan being cleaned. A mixture of 1 cup vinegar and 2 tablespoons of salt were blended together and the bottom of the pot dipped into the mixture until its bright finish was restored. One negative to this technique is that although the tarnish was removed, the color wasn’t quite bright or shinny enough so you had to finish the task by buffing with a pad of steel wool.

For copper items such as artwork with a shape which didn’t submit to such a technique, a paste was created with flour, salt and vinegar which was brushed on. This concoction was left on for an hour or so and then rinsed off. If the application wasn’t totally successful, then you had to reapply and wait another hour – or so.

Other home-made solutions include scrubbing with buttermilk or using a mixture of ammonia and soap, while another remedy recommended called for a blend of catsup and olive oil, or baking soda with ammonia.

All of these methods mentioned require a thorough rinsing and then you had the mess to clean up as well as the harsh agents to dispose of.

I’ve got a far easier solution that doesn’t require rubber gloves, ventilation or cleaning up a mess afterward. Storm Copper sells a Stabrite Copper Cloth that works amazingly well. With a light buffing stroke you can remove fingerprints, corrosion and tarnish created by the affects of time and human hands. The Stabrite Copper Cloth will return your beautiful copper to the luster you love with a minimum of effort. When you’re done, simply fold the cloth up and store it until it is needed again.

Now that you’ve brought your copper piece back to its original beauty, consider protecting the finish with Storm Copper Coat. This spray is a quick and easy way to protect that beauty, but it is not for use with food preparation uses applications such as copper bottomed pans.

Both the Stabrite Copper Cloth and Storm Copper Coat can be ordered online, or by calling 1-888-334-2177.

Newer Entries

Quick Ship Metals News-Blog

Selecting Copper for Art or Craft Projects

Copper is a safe alternate for controlling some insects

A QSM Gift Certificate - Rob Kohl's Gift Was Perfect!

Tinning Coppers & Sheets

Making Copper Sheet Fence Post Caps

Cleaning Stainless Steel

Solar Energy, Copper on the Cutting Edge

A Copper Connection to Killing Germs in Your Kitchen!

Get "Juiced" Anywhere, Thanks to Copper

Copper Cleaning, the Easy Way

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