Shop made copper inlay

[Russell Neyman]

I'm about to embark on a complicated and large-scale decorative fill project, and I'm wondering if it makes sense to grind up some copper pipe I have here in my scrap metal bin. I have a 12-iinch sanding disk that mounts on my lathe, and I can create a cardboard bib to catch the particles. Has anyone else done this? Will I really save money?

[JohnC Lucas]

Yes I have done it. 2 things. first is the copper conducts heat to your hand at the speed of light. Don't ask how I know this. Use gloves, maybe 2 pair. second. use a course grit and probably wear a mask because not all of the dust goes down into your need little catch apparatus. What I did was make a sort of paper funnel that was large enough to fit under the disc. and had a front lip that came up in front of the disc. This allowed me to capture most of the copper dust. Next time I might try using my horizontal bandsaw in the vertical position. It makes a little bit bigger dust particles but you would have to clean them because lube from the blade gets on it.

[John K Jordan]

I'm about to embark on a complicated and large-scale decorative fill project, and I'm wondering if it makes sense to grind up some copper pipe I have here in my scrap metal bin. I have a 12-iinch sanding disk that mounts on my lathe, and I can create a cardboard bib to catch the particles. Has anyone else done this? Will I really save money?

It might depend on the look you are after. I tried making brass dust and the pieces were too coarse for me. Maybe a sanding drum/disk would be better. I just bought a supply of metal powders made for this which was more uniform and smaller particles. I don't remember it costing so much as to encourage me to make my own. (I bought copper powder too but I like the look of brass better.)

Whatever powder you use I recommend doing plenty of tests first to learn how to apply the powder and the glue effectively to avoid voids, how to best smooth and polish, and see if you like the look.

JKJ

[Dennis Ford]

http://www.metalpowdersusa.com/

[William C Rogers]

It might depend on the look you are after. I tried making brass dust and the pieces were too coarse for me. Maybe a sanding drum/disk would be better. I just bought a supply of metal powders made for this which was more uniform and smaller particles. I don't remember it costing so much as to encourage me to make my own. (I bought copper powder too but I like the look of brass better.)

Whatever powder you use I recommend doing plenty of tests first to learn how to apply the powder and the glue effectively to avoid voids, how to best smooth and polish, and see if you like the look.

JKJ

followed the same path as John. You really need a fine powder and the brass i tried was too coarse. I have mixed brass drill shavings with resin for small boxes.

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[Chris A Lawrence]

I will second this i bought from metalpowderusa through there ebay store. 1# of copper was $13.50 and is enough to last me a long time.

[Michael Mills]

I agree with some of the others on metalpowderusa. Really not a bad price and very good quality with copper and bronze I purchased.
I tried key grindings for brass at one time but like others they are very course. On a tip from someone (maybe on here years ago) I placed in a coffee bean grinder and the stainless steel blades ground them well. Still not worth the time and effort and I would buy the brass from now on.

[Russell Neyman]

Agreed. The hardware store key filings are a mixture of brass, aluminum, and steel and don't really have the appearance I'm looking for.

[Robbie Buckley]

If you decide to grind your own, make sure you have a good mask. Copper powder is really nasty if inhaled.