blacksmithing - copper inlay - joining copper to steel

In this video, I show how I fuse copper to steel.
website: www.gstongs.com
email: [e-mail]
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[@edwardlance2379]

Concerning corrosion of the steel from contact with copper: All metals have a property known as "nobility" or "galvanic" rating, which is its resistance to corrosion when in contact with other metals. The greater the difference in nobility between two metals, the greater the chance of corrosion and also the aggressiveness of the corrosion. Galvanic corrosion is actually an electrochemical reaction that occurs when an electrolyte is present. The reaction is an elctro-coupling that occurs between the two different metals in the electrolyte. The less noble metal becomes the anode and corrodes at an accelerated rate when coupled than it otherwise would in the non-coupled state. The more noble metal becomes the cathode when coupled and corrodes at a slower rate than it would in the non-coupled state. It so happens that copper has a fairly high nobility rating compared to steel and thus steel will corrode faster when it contact with it. In order for the corrosion to occur, however, some form of electrolyte must be present, moisture, acid rain, etc. The difference in copper and steel is sufficient that humidity alone is enough to cause the reaction. Another term for this is "dissimilar metal corrosion." Inlaying of copper into steel probably won't cause any significant damage to the underlying steel simply because the amount of copper is so small, it just means that at some point, the copper inlay will probably flake off or fall out due to a small layer of corrosion that will build underneath it. How long that takes to happen is dependent on the presence of the electrolyte and for how long. This galvanic process is also why we see sacrificial anode rods inserted into hot water heaters to prevent the steel tank from corroding. Instead, the anode rod is slowly corroded over time (and is typically replaceable). Although gold and silver have long been the inlay metals of choice on things like firearms or even swords and knives, they have an even larger difference in their nobility rating vs steel. So, from the scientific point of view, copper is actually better for inlay into steel than gold and silver.

[@andresaofelipe]

Tin and aluminum are problematic just as copper, the research is 100% correct, the big difference is that aluminum and tin oxides adhere really well to the base metal and don't really come off while you're cooking because they're really hard and non reactive, while copper oxides flake off really easily and they react promptly with a lot of stuff. So what I'm getting at is: both copper, aluminum and tin are bad for you at large doses, it's just a LOT easier to poison yourself with copper cookware. Source: I'm a chemist.

[@pierdolio]

Try using an oxy-acetylene torch with copper wire (electrical wire) remember to remove the insulation first and flow it onto the steel like brazing rod. The copper will flow like water and give you the effect that you seek.

[@gstongs]

Adam, Thanks for the good advice. Before this video, I only vaguely had an idea of what brazing was. I will continue to experiment with non-ferrous metals like copper, brass and bronze.

[@BrassLock]

Your willingness to take risks on-camera, talk about what you're thinking as you do it, and to engage in play & experimentation helps me to learn at an easy pace Glenn. Thanks for this one, I had no idea it was possible. It's good stuff for the imagination. "Play is the highest form of research", Albert Einstein.

[@gstongs]

Dav, I also didn't know this was possible. Some folks in the comments have hammered me not knowing this is a form of brazing. Anyway, I'm just having fun taking a break from the usual blacksmithing... Thanks.

[@andyaaruckus1219]

Use a magnet to pull out the steel from copper powder. Use water to float out other debris.

[@gstongs]

Andy, Yes, I thought of that and tried but the strange this is my magnet kept picking up copper too. When I just skimmed the surface, I got bits of scale but if I got close, copper also moved to the magnet which seems odd. I think the flux I used at the end helped float away any possible impurities. Thanks for watching.

[@patshes1951]

Run a magnet thru your copper filings . It will remove a lot of impurities.

[@MrTim556644]

Figured this out on accident. The key is flux. I melt a puddle of copper on firebrick in bottom of forge, bring steel to heat, clean and flux steel, rest steel on puddle. It will wick up onto the steel

[@jamesmcmillen4828]

I used to do a lot of Civil War Reenacting. I cooked with copper all the time. The oils from food kind of "season" the copper vessel, similar to a cast iron skillet. That little layer of seasoning keeps you from getting sick. I've never gotten sick from eating food that was cooked in a copper vessel that was properly seasoned.

[@gstongs]

James, Thanks for sharing your experience. It's good information.

[@SpoonMann]

I appreciate it. I'm trying to forge weld copper to itself. I couldn't find any info that helped, but you might've.

[@brysonalden5414]

I had the same idea about using copper filings, and wondered if my favorite "outside the box" blacksmith thinker had tried it. Of course you have! Thanks!

[@advance9572]

Thank you for sharing this. It's people like you who's not afraid to try things like this that makes you an asset to smithing. Great work bud.

[@gstongs]

Nick, I don't mind experimenting - it's a quick way to learn. Thanks. Glen

[@christophercraft957]

I have an entire set of cookware made of copper, never heard it could make you sick. Awesome idea infusing the copper into your work. With a little more practice it will look really good. Thanks for sharing, glen.

[@gstongs]

Christopher, It might be possible that your copper cookware is lined with something else. But if not, it seems to me that just practical precaution needs to be taken. I'll continue to experiment. Thanks for watching.

[@79personalities]

wishing I could thumbs up a hundred times on this video! like your experimental approach and clean forging style! it has opened up many paths unforseen in my shop! thank you sir!

[@gstongs]

I'm glad you can take something away from watching this. I can see I've just scratched the surface of what might be possible by combining metals like copper and brass into ironwork. Thanks for watching and for your support. Glen

[@page76metalcraft19]

Use an engraving graver and undercut your lines then tap solid copper wire into your design and because the copper is softer than the steel it will “squish” down under the undercut and stay there. Then sand to finish. All this can be done cold.

[@gstongs]

Thanks for the useful information. I will give this a try for sure though I think the undercutting may be a challenge for me in some instances.

[@page76metalcraft19]

Glen GS Tongs ... don’t forget to pick up some magnifying glasses. At least x4

[@gaz0463]

I like watching your experimental videos. It’s very inspirational to see what can be done in a small workshop. It would be great to have a big workshop with a big power hammer and press and all the latest equipment but you certainly don’t need all that to make really great things. Looking forward to seeing where you go with this.

[@gstongs]

At times, I really do wish I had all the equipment you mention. And I dream of the day when I can build a better (but still small) shop, similar to what I had in the past. I will continue to experiment with copper and probably try brass too. Thanks.

[@williamwapling218]

You beauty! Great work Glen.

[@gstongs]

William, Thanks, I appreciate your support. Glen

[@luckyforge9627]

This was great. I'll have to try it.

[@gstongs]

I'm really having fun experimenting with copper. I'll probably give brass and maybe bronze a go as well. Good luck in your work. Thanks.

[@bobnancymiller4931]

Acidic foods like tomato etc are problematic when cooking in copper ware. This was the reason that much of the copper pots etc were lined with tin

[@spila123]

copper Cookware used to be common. They still use it to manufacture top quality cookware because of its great heat conduction. But they do add a layer of tin or steel on it. If not, you should only use it for sweet dishes. Marmelade pots don't have the coating. Other dishes will release copper reactions (not so healthy) and also oxidise( turn bad) your food faster.

[@gstongs]

I appreciate you sharing this good information. I think copper is relatively safe but overexposure (to anything) is not good. Precaution needs to be taken. Just like one commenter said, the difference between medicine and poison is just the dosage. Thanks for sure. Glen

[@bentoombs]

That looks totally fun just to try even if it doesn't work totally right. I like how it came out good job. great video

[@gstongs]

Ben, You hit the nail on the head. Some have been critical, mentioning that I didn't even know this was a form of brazing, but honestly, I just wanted to experiment and have some fun. A break from the usual blacksmithing... Thanks. Glen

[@HornadyMatt]

Nice one Glen. I am going to try this next time I am in the shop.

[@gstongs]

Matthew, Give it a go. The flux really helped. I didn't even know this was brazing until more than a few commenters mentioned it. Thanks.

[@lenblacksmith8559]

This is cool Glen, like it.

[@gstongs]

Len, This "brazing" of copper to steel has a lot of potential. I'll experiment more... Thanks.

[@msblades5382]

Glen I look forward to see how you apply this way of inlay. It is pretty exciting to go down a road of successful inlay that I have never seen . Keep up the fantastic work.. Martin

[@gstongs]

Martin, I'll do my best. I have some ideas that could turn out great - or not so great... Thanks.

[@flpmlks5181]

that depends which food is in contact with copper. copper dish is very good for whipping eggs. but any acidic food or liquid is dissolving copper quickly, so you can get poisoned.

[@zxcvbnm6669]

Great video

[@craigljardine]

Looks good.

[@gstongs]

Craig, When I get the chance, I will try this one again. Thanks. Glen

[@matthewmarting3623]

Glen, good to see you trying forge brazing! Really shows your talent coming up with the idea like that. I find that I have better results when the flux is on the steel before it goes in the forge. Also, copper wire is an easy source of copper, it can be bent into whatever shape you need or snipped into pieces.

[@matthewmarting3623]

Clarification: it works better when the flux is on the cold steel before any scaling occurs so I do it while it’s cold before I even put it in.

[@gstongs]

Matthew, I honestly never knew this was a form of brazing. I'm so involved with ferrous blacksmithing and never ventured into using metals like copper before. I had a heck of time getting the copper to take then realized that a bit of flux might help (similar as with forge welding). Just by chance, I sprinkled some on cold. This sort of learning by trial and error is the best teacher. After, when reading comments like yours, it all seems obvious... Thanks for the good information.

[@matthewmarting3623]

I know you didn't know about it - that's why it showcases your talent and experience. You intuitively and independently rediscovered forge brazing, the concept of which is so far outside the modern mind's way of thinking. I've only seen it two other places (DF in the shop has a tutorial on it), and mentioned a couple of times in written sources.

[@jackdawg4579]

what a clever idea. I am going to have a go just using my oxy-acetylene gear and use brass filler rod and standard flux to see if I can fill in my touch mark!.

[@gstongs]

Jack, Give it a go. It really seems that the flux helps a lot to get the copper to take to the steel; gets it to flow properly, floats away any impurities, and keeps steel scale from forming. I'm going to continue to mess around with copper and maybe brass as well. Thanks.

[@davidhillman7004]

Good idea I like it

[@gstongs]

I can definitely expand on this - I see good potential. I will have another go when I get a chance. Thanks.

[@country4life534]

The biggest thing is don't put acidic in it and it's not normally a problem we use copper regularly!

[@camelcitytattooshopp]

very cool got to try it

[@gstongs]

George, Give it a go. I'm having a lot of fun forging with copper so far. I may try brass and bronze too. Thanks.

[@msblades5382]

Great experiment Glen I just did some copper inlay by hammering copper wire into the space I chiseled or chased it came out great. I can see this process coming in very handy especially for artistic type pieces. Great job my friend. Martin

[@gstongs]

Martin, Someone else also mentioned hammering copper wire in cold. I just wanted to fuse (braze) the copper to the steel. The flux really helps. This method may be useful for when cold inlaying is not practical. I will continue to experiment. Thanks. Glen

[@jackdawg4579]

Lots of spoons, ladles, tea caddies etc were traditionally made from copper. Vague memory from metalwork as school when we made copper tea caddies that we varnished them.

[@gstongs]

Jack, Thanks for sharing the good information. I remember making a copper spatula when I was just learning to blacksmith.

[@hosseinparishani9983]

Dear Glen, this is an awesome video. I have some comments that MIGHT help in getting a cleaner inlay using this method. Usually copper (or silver, etc) inlays are done using "wires" and cold work rather than powder sintering / brazing. The method you are applying is totally different and will probably require you to: 1) remake a new punch (with a deeper impact) or undercut the punched emblem (at least partially), 2) inlay the wire pieces and work it cold first, and 3) add flux and back to forge for the final weld. This way there won't be any overspills of Cu, and there is a lot of predictability as for how the inlay will look like after the weld. Keep up the good work. Cheers!

[@gstongs]

Hossein, This is great information. I especially like how you explained about avoiding overspill, which really can be difficult to deal with as grinding can ruin the final piece. I will continue to experiment. Thanks. Glen

[@juanhortelano7379]

amazing job!!!, your friend in mexico!!

[@gstongs]

Juan, Thanks for watching and for your support. Glen

[@juanhortelano7379]

Glen GS Tongs thanks my amigo!! your job is great!!, saludos!

[@daveo.6659]

What you're doing isn't welding it's brazing, just like brazing with brass you need a little flux and you need a clean base metal, but I guess you figured it out with a little experimenting. Thanks for letting us watch you experiment and learn things from it. BTW, you can actually use old copper electrical wire as a filler rod if you haven't any brass rod handy when you need to do a small brazing job.

[@gstongs]

Matt, I now know this is a form of brazing. The flux definitely helped to get the copper to flow and take to the steel. I will continue to experiment and see what else I can learn. I appreciate the constructive way you mentioned this as not being welding. Others weren't as kind... Thanks. Glen

[@rangerknow940]

I don't think copper is a problem in cookware. It's used for melting chocolate at the very least. The copper is also never getting hot enough for it to melt out and leech into the food. Love your content and forging. I like that small copper cup, looks like an ancient shot cup or medicinal drink cup.

[@tommywright7196]

You can buy copper pans to cook in it might have something else mixed in it but I also wonder about it being unsafe to cook in

[@techronmattic5876]

Ive seen inlay done using brass and copper wire, no need to heat you just chase it in with a small chisel and then sand it flush, this was an interesting experiment good use of leftover scrap

[@gstongs]

Yes, I've seen a similar technique before. But I wanted to melt the copper to fuse (braze) it to the steel. But I will try this cold method as well. Thanks.

[@proud2deviate]

Clever adaptation on forge brazing. I like it! I wonder if galvanic corrosion will be a problem. Handles see lots of palm sweat. . . Might be an idea to clear coat it, or something.

[@gstongs]

I didn''t even know this was a form of brazing; never done anything like this before. But experimenting like this is a quick way to learn. I think you're right that corrosion could be a problem. Thanks for sharing.

[@theColJessep]

Very simple: If you want to store acidic food put it in glass. Buy a set of ceramic lined pans and steel pots and you are solid. Do not wrap acidic foods in aluminium foil. The acid can react with the aluminium. If you don't want plastic just use paper to wrap up your sandwich like in the olden days.

[@gstongs]

Nathan, I appreciate you taking the time to share this good information. Just a little research and practical application is all that is needed to avoid some potential health risks. Thanks.

[@FireandFrostHVAC]

Cool video Glen. I have used copper bars for backing behind welds before because the steel weldment won’t “stick” to the copper, I’ll have to try your idea with the borax and the forge oven and see what results I get. Thanks!

[@gstongs]

So far, it really seems to me that the flux (borax) is important to get the copper to take to the steel. It seems to make it flow better, float away impurities, and keep steel scale from forming. Thanks.

[@wint3rsmith42]

I often used copper plugs to prevent filling holes with weld when rebuilding drill heads with TC inserts. tap the copper plug out and no need to redrill.

[@derekturner3272]

Joining copper to steel.... you mean brazing?

[@skellez83]

That’s the other way around. You can cook on coated copper kitchenware like the old timers, but you should never leave food inside those pots.

[@loul7239]

Thanks for showing this. So many directions to go from this point. I wonder if you can treat the larger indents like a brazing project by starting with flux and a small amount of copper and then adding some in with copper wire. Can’t wait to do my own experiments. This is exactly what I was looking for to finish some bracelets for a friend.

[@gstongs]

Lou, I think you're exactly right. And the flux seems necessary, especially if the area to be filled is larger. Someone asked if I can try mixing copper and brass and see what results. I'm up for anything as this sort of experimenting helps me learn quickly and is a welcome break from the usual blacksmithing. Thanks.

[@BadAphorism]

Copper is a natural antimicrobial, which is why pretty much every hospital and government building you walk into has brass fixtures. Sanitation. Just line it with nickel or tin my dude. The problem is that the food is naturally acidic and (ironically) eating your cookware. Its efficiency and regularity retaining and evenly distributing heat carries it into the "still worth it" zone. Cool video btw. Helpful. Thank you.

[@andrepienaar6459]

Joining copper to steel is a lot like soldering two copper wires with lead. The wires must be heated and the lead applied. The soldering wire I used at work had beeswax inside that acted as flux. It worked so well that I could make some joints with a match.

[@gstongs]

Andre, Thanks for the good information. I found that flux is crucial for successful bonding. Good luck in your work. Glen

[@hosseinparishani9983]

Coppersmiths around the world usually "whiten" items that will be in contact with hot food. Whitening here means to dip the item in another molten metal (tin is the most common) which creates a thin coat/lining after solidifying. Of course this coat wears out over time, and the item should be re-whitened. Theoretically, if individuals liver can not process Cu, it can lead to serious complications over a long long time.

[@gstongs]

Hossein, This is very good information. I think there are a lot of factors that might lead to copper or similar heavy metals making someone sick but that the average healthy person might never feel any ill effects from moderate copper use. Thanks for sharing. Glen

[@larryfetters212]

Cool

[@gstongs]

Larry, Glad you like it. I'll revisit this and try to do a better job. Thanks for watching. Glen

[@beeumble6450]

lol, I see that many on here do not understand the intent of your project. As a side note, copper has been used farther back than any of these woozles have been around so do not listen to them, while it is reactive it is not so for all aspects of cooking. I like the experimentation factor of your crucible/copper inlay projects and have learned quite a bit myself. thank you for sharing your ideas so that it saves me from re-inventing the wheel. I watched another video from another blacksmith who recently made a video about copper/brass inlay with wire/rod, both methods seem to work well but I believe that with some refinement your method could be a time saver and guarantee results with proper technique application. keep up the good work!

[@gstongs]

Bryant, Hi and thanks for your thoughtful comment. I see where I went wrong with this and in fact, many of the critical comments were constructive (not all bad). Some people would prefer only experts make videos but like you said, that misses the point... Thanks for watching and for your support. Glen

[@Giganfan2k1]

I concur, I like watching these experiments because he seems to be on a few things I am interested in. I love copper and it's alloys. If Glen wants to step up his bronze game you should look at the Aluminum/Titanium/Nickel Copper blends.

[@crash5868]

Yup. Flux is the key. Like in brazing.

[@gstongs]

I learned that the hard way. Flux is essential for this sort of operation. Thanks for watching and sharing.

[@gustavfranklin]

1: aluminium ingestion being really, really bad is not controversial. dementia, (male) fertility problems, and more. 2: verdigris is just oxide. oxides form in contact with food. 3: ye olde copper food implements were tinned where they were in direct contact with the food. I don't mean this in a petty/impolite way, just please read up and be safe.

[@gstongs]

Gustav, Thanks for the very good information. I appreciate you sharing your insight. I am very new to using copper and so am only learning about the possibilities for its use and potential problems associated wth heavy metals, food, and the like. I will continue to experiment with copper and probably also try brass and maybe bronze. Constructive criticism is always welcome. Glen

[@tylerkrug7719]

Copper has purifying qualities to it. That's why it's used for indoor potae water plumbing. I think it would be fine to eat out of. They have cake pans made out of copper also, atleast copper plated I beleive

[@gstongs]

I agree. And regular cleaning of copper cooking instruments is a good idea. Thanks for watching and sharing.

[@hendrikvanleeuwen9110]

1. The steel needs to be 100% clean from any kind of grime otherwise the copper won't stick. Scratching the desired area with a scribe and cleaning with isopropyl works well. The copper filings also need to be free of any oils etc. 2. The copper forms a black oxide in air as it cools from forge temperature which will stop it sticking to the steel. Therefore it is better to run it right through to the copper melting heat in one go, without removing it from the forge. The inside of the forge is a low oxygen environment so the oxide will not form until the piece is removed from the forge. By then the copper will have fused to the steel so the oxide will only form on top. 3. Borax/Boric Acid is your friend, but you can have too much of a good thing. 4. Brass and bronze also work well. They have a lower m.p. and the tin/zn act as 'flow agents'. Brasing rod works extra well. You can get brass, bronze, copper or silver rods and they have very good flow/adhesion properties. But shop filings work just fine.

[@gstongs]

Hendrik, You make excellent points. After dong this a few times, a realized much of what you said (the hard way). With folks like yourself who are willing to share information constructively, it makes it so that my own videos become open lessons for myself. Thanks for sharing. Glen

[@hendrikvanleeuwen9110]

Glen GS Tongs Too kind, sir. I have learned so much from your videos, it is truly my pleasure to share my own experience. Thanks so much for sharing your experiments (which I particularly enjoy), your knowledge, and just as importantly your enthusiasm!

[@DragonHide94]

Plastics which are inert or nonreactive are safe. Same goes for metals. Copper and Aluminum are pretty reactive but I have never heard anyone say you shouldn't cook with copper implements. Aluminum on the other had is not so safe unless you allow it to oxidize and become passive with the environment. This makes a shiny aluminum pot look dull and gray and people will scrub that finish away because it doesn't look as good, but that dull surface is what's keeping your pots and pans from poisoning you.

[@gstongs]

Thanks for the very useful information, especially regarding aluminum. With plastics, I think it's difficult for the average consumer like myself to know which are inert and which are toxic. I'll continue to research and experiment with copper and other non-ferrous metals. And thanks for watching. Glen

[@Kimberly1Lily]

Mostly people with Schizophrenia have problems with high copper levels. They generally need more zinc to lower blood copper levels. Otherwise, you should benefit from cooking with a reasonable amount; being mindful is key!!!

[@1day129]

Glen, why not make a wire with the copper and undercut the steel groove. hammer copper into the gap, the undercut keeps copper stuck in. see Alec steele's inlaying.

[@gstongs]

I really just wanted to try melting the cooper into the recess. I'm sure hammering it in is more practical but I'm also stubborn! Thanks. Glen

[@ADmyrr]

Have you had rust or other corrosion with your inlay. I only ask because there is an electro-chemical reaction when iron and copper come into contact with each other

[@gstongs]

Hi, this inlay has remained the same, no rust or corrosion, though I'm sure that's possible. Thanks for watching.

[@ADmyrr]

@@gstongs I work in the sheet metal trade and whenever I install copper trim I use only stainless or copper fasteners because steel will corrode at an accelerated rate when in contact with the copper. Thanks for your time I enjoy your videos.

[@starforged]

Use flux and anneal copper often. Heat to orange and dip in water and it resists cracking. You need to get a planishing hammer.

[@KpyCkuT]

Bravo !:-) 👍

[@gstongs]

Thanks for watching. Glen

[@he-mansuncle7661]

Awesome video Glen! I just replied to your comment on your other copper video haha! I forgot to mention that borax was also beneficial for making the mokume but they have said it’s not necessary. Do you have any brass pipes laying around? It would look really interesting if you were to mix the copper and brass together(maybe even some aluminum or nickel). You could use all of your different sizes of punches (or a drill) and make different sizes and depths of “divots” all over a handle or a plate for a door knocker! It’d be interesting to see the different metals mixed together and inlayed into a handle or some other piece! I just remembered that I bought a few rolls of copper,nickel, and brass for mosaic pins. May have to try braiding them together and taking the blowtorch and borax to it!

[@gstongs]

Phillip, The flux (borax) really made a difference in how the copper took (brazed) to the steel. I do have a piece of brass and will likely try what you mention. I'm very interested in experimenting further... Thanks.

[@gooneryfordayz7537]

Copper actually has antibacterial properties however cooking with aluminum can be toxic because it is a heavy metal

[@gstongs]

Very useful information. Thanks for watching and for sharing. Glen

[@roland4240]

I know i'm a little late, but if you think that copper grit in the bowl is too dirty then try melting it back down into an ingot that you can then hammer flat and reuse

[@nobackhands]

For brass powder anywhere they make keys

[@pascualvasquezjr.6285]

Mexican carnitas (similar to pulled pork) is cooked in copper pots

[@gstongs]

Pascual, I think a lot of people still use copper for cooking. It's good to be aware and take precaution but also not be misled. Things that are "bad" for us are everywhere. Thanks for sharing that information.

[@houseblacksmithing9836]

The only thing I've heard of leaching copper into food, is with acidic foods such asTomatoe sauce.

[@gstongs]

Ben, Yes, I've read the same information. I think the hazard of using copper with food is exaggerated but it definitely warrants attention. Thanks for watching and sharing. Glen

[@tanglediver]

Pretty cool, interesting!

[@gstongs]

Glad you like this. I'll give to another try in a future video. Thanks for watching.

[@peterlue9274]

why not copper wire on hot metal?

[@1day129]

sorry if this has ben said before but copper pans are incredibly popular and are very commonly used in kitchens over the world. copper salts may be no good to you but with proper care your pan wont get to that point.

[@gstongs]

That's OK, it always worth repeating. The ket point may be proper care of copper cooking implements. Thanks. Glen

[@shonaoneill5151]

@@gstongs I said pretty much the same without reading the comments first, my bad. Nice video though.

[@thuss5162]

You could just braze it full with a torch and file it down!

[@ziopoe]

Copper toxicity always make me laugh, especially when people complain about it when drinking moscow mule in the typical copper mug, anyhow, where i live there is a long tradition about cooking with copper, one of the most famous dishes is cooked in large round copper tray, to avoid copper contact with food and make it less prone to stick they tin it, usually it's a difficoult process because it require the piece to be cleaned and heated evenly but shouldn't be a problem for you! Tin don't react with acids in foods and it's considered food safe (as long it's 100% lead free)

[@gstongs]

Poe, This is very good information. I asked around a little to try to find tin but no luck so far. I will continue to experiment with copper and probably try some things with brass and bronze as well. Thanks for sharing. Glen

[@durhamholtmeier4413]

Copper plumbing anyone...hard or soft water never ever an issue.

[@camelcitytattooshopp]

Ok we miss ya come on back

[@gstongs]

George, I'm back.

[@BracesandBoots1]

I've tried using bronze brazing rods, but I can't even get it to melt. It's kind of like a soldering iron that hasn't been prepared properly won't take solder.

[@gstongs]

Since I'm pretty new to using metals like copper, brass and bronze, I can't rightly say what that might be. I didn't even know this was a form of brazing until folks in the comments pointed that out to me. I'll continue to experiment. Thanks.

[@stantilton3339]

Nice Glen, I like that. I think the borax was the secret. you may want to play with mokume gana. A stack of cleaned sandwich quarters makes fine silver and copper pattern like Damascus. Thanks for sharing.

[@gstongs]

Stan, The flux (borax) definitely helped. Some others have also mentioned mokume gane. I heard of it before but never really knew what it was. Thanks.

[@badstate]

Like brazing.

[@gstongs]

Adam, Yes, others also pointed that out. Thanks for watching and sharing. Glen

[@Afro408]

Good try Glen, but I would have used a bit of flux, to stop the steel oxidizing and the copper would have stuck well.

[@gstongs]

Tony, I did use flux (at the end), after trying an failing several times without using flux. The flux seems to make the copper flow better, float away any impurities, and keep the steel from scaling. Almost like with forge welding... I'll continue to experiment with copper. Thanks for watching.

[@Afro408]

Well, that's what flux is for, to stop oxidation. If you could put the parts into a sealed crucible and fill that with Argon and put it all into your furnace, it would give you a good bond as well. Poor man's muffle furnace.

[@rlm98253]

Use borax as a flux.

[@kahlzun]

since copper is so ductile, you could have probably pushed it into the cracks with a little hammering

[@thuss5162]

Copper is and has been used for cooking and distillation water pipes,,, think you have been mislead on copper and cooking. Everything else looks good 👍 Try masking of your inlay then grab a piece of copper and some distilled water and a battery charger electrolysis plating should plate it nicely

[@jackgyver4683]

Nice video, I’ve been wanting to mix copper and steel in some of my blades for a while. I use a coke forge, Will this work in one of those? Would it be possible to use a small billet of copper and forge weld it to a piece of mild or high carbon steel as I would normally? Thanks.

[@IonutJaR]

I had success welding layers of copper and carbon steel and also some x50 stanless steel to copper, check may channel

[@pauldrowns7270]

The French whisked eggs in copper bowls and made the world's best omelettes since forever with no ill consequence but aluminum is a different story. Ample research in the last 5 to 6 years have positively linked aluminum to health risks.

[@teddy5004]

From a few guys ive seen do it, they usually inlay the copper, soften it with a torch and hammer the soft copper into the steel... The neatly melted copper sticks to the imperfections in the chamfered edge and prevents it from escaping.... Unfortunately as far as i can tell its scientifically impossible to weld copper and steel.

[@bogomir67]

Istn't that basically what brazing is?

[@orvarg1066]

yup he's technically brazing copper to steel, not welding.

[@matthewmarting3623]

Forge brazing or fire brazing. It’s a very old technique, but useful and can be quite pretty.

[@gstongs]

Thomas, I didn't even realize what I was doing is considered a form of brazing. Comments like yours and others have made me realize this. I never tried to forge copper before but it's a nice break from the using blacksmithing. Thanks for watching. And thanks to orvarg and Matthew for clarifying this. Glen

[@boxcarthehusky420]

Copper is good for making alcohol lol

[@gstongs]

You got that right! I've been laying off the whiskey though... Thanks for watching.

[@ClownWhisper]

I made my own whiskey for 35 years and it wasn't crabby moonshine it was the best whiskey you would ever fucking want to taste

[@emafex]

Uhh brazing?

[@gstongs]

I only just figured out that this is form of brazing. Experimenting is a good teacher. And KZbin comments are good source of information, sometimes... Thanks for watching.

[@peckerwood780]

If by interesting you mean shit yeah

Flux? :-)

[@gstongs]

Flux in needed to keep impurities away from the area to be bonded. But what I did here needs adjusting... Thanks for watching.

[@shonaoneill5151]

Copper make superb cooking pans, the info is horse shit! Yes it has to be kept exceptionally clean but, you can cook in it perfectly well.

[@gstongs]

Shona, I agree that if kept clean, copper is very suitable for cooking most things. Thanks for watching.

[@aaronvenden8649]

Wrong look at any copper cooking pan. The cooking surface is coated. The acid in food reacts with the copper spoiling the taste. So if you look it will be coated with ceramic and sometimes even tin

[@gstongs]

Some copper pots used for cooking don't have any type of coating and have been used that way for very long time. One example is a copper kettle for candy making. But you're right about copper reacting with especially acidic foods thought the leaching is minuscule and likely harmless. The more common danger might be verdigris or copper oxidation. Thanks for watching.

[@MrAllanstevns]

You make statements about chemical reactions and assumptions, that clearly shows you don't know anything about chemistry. And apparently all chemists are in the pocket of the plastic industry???? That's one hell of a conspiracy theory. No one should take advise from this video about food safety.

[@gstongs]

Allan, Some plastics are inert, others are toxic. Admittedly, I don't know enough about plastics to make a blanket statement about their safety and was probably thinking about it more from the detrimental environmental impact that plastics have and the surge in cancer associated with ubiquitous plastic use. Thanks for watching all the same.

[@9772783]

@allan your obviously 100% wrong. Plastic manufacturers have been purposefully misleading people into believing that metals can be bad for your health for hundreds of years... like sure, using lead for cooking with is bad, also mercury and cadmium and manganese are bad for you, but all the others are obviously 100% fine to use. There's no way that aluminum can cause Alzheimer's disease and don't get me started on what they say tin will do. It's all plastic propaganda they started back in the late 1800's so when they invented plastic in 1907, people would want to use that over it's "dangerous" metal counterparts... derr... It's called forward thinking... @glen, now that we sorted out Allans flawed thinking, please continue using youtube to teach people that ONLY plastic can leach anything harmful into food....

[@Grizzydan]

Wow.. I'm sure that everyone now sees the error of their ways.. after being told whats what by a couple of idiots on youtube. Glen and Andrew you guys are nut jobs.

[@9772783]

Hey Big Dan! Omg my bad, I didn't know what was what so cheers for telling me...

[@O-.-O]

Yeah and research about plastic toxicity is sponsored by a steel manufacturers. Don't be an idiot Glen..

[@gstongs]

I could listen to your point, maybe agree or disagree. But you lost me by using an unnecessary insult. Thanks all the same but my channel may not be for you.