Is That Copper I See

[darth_chasm]

Copper is a really beautiful metal and in my opinion can add a lot of character to a build. All of my builds have had at least one copper element incorporated. But sometimes it's hard to find something in copper that suits your needs. Here are a few items of varying materials that I have coppered, which I think opens up a lot of options.

Electric Razor Screen

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/th_IMG_1151_zpsmmigoloe.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_1151_zpsmmigoloe.jpg.html)

Polycarbonate

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/th_IMG_1154_zpswk0fthnu.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_1154_zpswk0fthnu.jpg.html)

1.5" 22 gauge brass pipe
I'm particularly excited by this because I've found it hard to find a suitable solution for copper sleeve material. As you may know, this material fits perfectly over MHS parts. Now, I can have it in copper!!! Oh the possibilities.

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/th_IMG_1158_zpsateleiyc.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_1158_zpsateleiyc.jpg.html)

MHS Shroud Material
Still in experiment phase with this. Not an easy process with aluminum and may prove futile.

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/th_IMG_1160_zpsis7gvy6w.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_1160_zpsis7gvy6w.jpg.html)

[Greenie]

Interesting. Nice bit of R&D. You're right about the possibilities DC, now I'm thinking of things to copper. :)

[PhoenixHawk]

Yes indeed....my main Lightsaber will have copper on...in...well everywhere! :D (Once I can afford to buy the MHS parts that is.... :( oh well....need to find a better pay'in job)

[eastern57]

Dude, you should leave that blotchy MHS outside and see how it oxidizes. Aluminium with oxidized copper highlights sounds like some pretty bee-aye weathering if you ask me.

[FenixFire]

Copper is a really beautiful metal and in my opinion can add a lot of character to a build. All of my builds have had at least one copper element incorporated. But sometimes it's hard to find something in copper that suits your needs. Here are a few items of varying materials that I have coppered, which I think opens up a lot of options.

Electric Razor Screen

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/th_IMG_1151_zpsmmigoloe.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_1151_zpsmmigoloe.jpg.html)

Polycarbonate

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/th_IMG_1154_zpswk0fthnu.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_1154_zpswk0fthnu.jpg.html)

1.5" 22 gauge brass pipe
I'm particularly excited by this because I've found it hard to find a suitable solution for copper sleeve material. As you may know, this material fits perfectly over MHS parts. Now, I can have it in copper!!! Oh the possibilities.

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/th_IMG_1158_zpsateleiyc.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_1158_zpsateleiyc.jpg.html)

MHS Shroud Material
Still in experiment phase with this. Not an easy process with aluminum and may prove futile.

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/th_IMG_1160_zpsis7gvy6w.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_1160_zpsis7gvy6w.jpg.html)

Chech PM,

I am also experimenting with an electralisis method of pulling the copper to the surface of the brass.

[jbkuma]

MHS Shroud Material
Still in experiment phase with this. Not an easy process with aluminum and may prove futile.

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/th_IMG_1160_zpsis7gvy6w.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_1160_zpsis7gvy6w.jpg.html)

I really love the way this looks. This is my favorite piece of the lot.

[darth_chasm]

Dude, you should leave that blotchy MHS outside and see how it oxidizes. Aluminium with oxidized copper highlights sounds like some pretty bee-aye weathering if you ask me.

I can't really leave it outside here in the city, but I do have oxidizing solution that will do the job in 20 mins. I'll give a shot and see.

[jbkuma]

I can't really leave it outside here in the city, but I do have oxidizing solution that will do the job in 20 mins. I'll give a shot and see.
Isn't that why we have fire escapes? ;D

[darth_chasm]

Isn't that why we have fire escapes? ;D

Street level :(

[jbkuma]

Street level :(
Ahh, too bad. I'm a big fan of the second floor for privacy and use of the fire escape!

[Whi-ja]

Yep. I'm a BIG fan of copper and love the plumbing sections at hardware stores. If you figure out a good copper-plating solution, I hope you'll let us know. The attempts to coat MHS aluminum for me have been iffy as well. :-)

[darth_chasm]

I haven't really messed with it since, but the first attempt was straight into the solution and the only areas that showed any reaction were the grooves and the cut ends. Then on the second attempt I just sanded a small patch right before dipping it and that's what you see in the pic. When I get to it, I'm going to give the entire surface a quick sanding right before and leave it in a bit longer.

[PhoenixHawk]

Well done darth chasm...you got it right...roughing up with some 400 grit to give the copper something to grab a hold of ...and letting it build up a bit so if you want to polish to a mirror finish you have thick enough layer to work with.

[Whi-ja]

I usually scrub parts with a fine Brill pad and some heavy duty cleaner like Greased Lightning before etching. Maybe do that before plating the Aluminum. I and cruelly need to get back to playing experiments myself. I tried it once and just haven't gone back to it yet.

[rlobrecht]

Laying the copper into an etched area could look really nice.

[darth_chasm]

Another brass to copper experiment. Really impressed with how nicely this came out. In the solution for about 15-20 mins at 550mA, then 20-30 mins at 250mA. Polished up with #0000 steel wool.

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_1183_zpscpcavqmy.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_1183_zpscpcavqmy.jpg.html)