Author Topic: Copper inlays  (Read 4772 times)

Bob F

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Copper inlays
« on: March 08, 2009, 03:48:49 AM »
Has anyone ever used copper for inlays?  I have a large sheet of copper and I was thinking of making some inlays from it.  I though it would be an interesting color instead of the usual brass or GS.  If I seal it , it should keep its color instaed of turning green.

Any thoughts????

Offline Bill of the 45th

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Re: Copper inlays
« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2009, 06:09:22 AM »
Only copper I've seen has been on Southern Mountain rifles, and then very limited, or for repairs., and it wasn't shiny, but well patina'd.  That being said, I know someone that's building a Tenn with some copper in it.

Bill
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Over the Hill, What Hill, and when did I go over it?

lew wetzel

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Re: Copper inlays
« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2009, 06:43:24 AM »
i have used copper in my last rifle and the two hawks i just did....i really like the way it looks and patinas....

Bob F

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Re: Copper inlays
« Reply #3 on: March 08, 2009, 07:06:17 AM »
Thanks...could you post a pic of how they look with the copper?  bob

Offline Brian Jordan

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Re: Copper inlays
« Reply #4 on: March 08, 2009, 04:20:26 PM »
Thanks...could you post a pic of how they look with the copper?  bob

I would like to see some pictures also!
Elizabeth, PA

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Let's Go Brandon!

lew wetzel

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Re: Copper inlays
« Reply #5 on: March 08, 2009, 04:36:19 PM »
the side plate and toe plate are made from copper

my hawks with copper!!!

i will take some pics today to show how nice the rifle has patinaed a very nice reddish color...

Offline Brian Jordan

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Re: Copper inlays
« Reply #6 on: March 08, 2009, 04:45:44 PM »
Very nice work lew wetzel. I have made one knife with a copper bolster, and I found the copper is a bear to work with as far as filing goes. It tends to clog up the files easily, even with the files chalked. That is easily fixed with a frequent brush of the file card.

Once again I love the copper furniture on the rifle, and hawk.   
Elizabeth, PA

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms"...Thomas Jefferson

Let's Go Brandon!

lew wetzel

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Re: Copper inlays
« Reply #7 on: March 08, 2009, 05:03:15 PM »
ok i just took these pics...the thumb piece is copper also....i think...i built this rifle for trekking and i have had it out in the woods a few times and evry time it gets alittle more patinaed and the copper patinaes faster than the brass...



Offline Mike Brooks

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Re: Copper inlays
« Reply #8 on: March 08, 2009, 05:13:21 PM »
NEW WEBSITE! www.mikebrooksflintlocks.com
Say, any of you boys smithies? Or, if not smithies per se, were you otherwise trained in the metallurgic arts before straitened circumstances forced you into a life of aimless wanderin'?

Bob F

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Re: Copper inlays
« Reply #9 on: March 08, 2009, 06:11:51 PM »
Thanks to all...I think I'll give it a shot and post some pics when I'm done.

Offline hanshi

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Re: Copper inlays
« Reply #10 on: March 08, 2009, 06:15:11 PM »
L.W., You've done some some fabulous work, there.  Copper looks much better on a gun than I'd have thought. 
!Jozai Senjo! "always present on the battlefield"
Young guys should hang out with old guys; old guys know stuff.

Offline Lucky R A

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Re: Copper inlays
« Reply #11 on: March 08, 2009, 08:08:29 PM »
      I have an original Allemengle rifle from around 1830-40 period that has a copper thumbpiece, so the use of copper was not limited to southern guns.   
"The highest reward that God gives us for good work is the ability to do better work."  - Elbert Hubbard