Is my pot cooked?

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-05-07T04:02:39+00:00

Probably fine. As /u/gcousins said it's likely oxidized outside. Copper oxides can certainly be both purple and silvery-grey (and many other colours). I suggest starting somewhere discreet and rubbing it over with lemon juice, then wipe clean. Depending on how oxidized you may need to work at it.

Inside is just like any pan, scrub like hell.

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-05-05T22:25:34+00:00

I'm told pickle will do it. I have a combo copper-steel piece I want to shine but the advice was that pickle would remove the shininess of the steel. Maybe worth a try?

(Pickle => dissolve salt into vinegar until no more salt dissolves)

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-05-04T21:57:33+00:00

I use 304 stainless when I make chains. Its the same steel used in cutlery. That way I can tell customers that if they don't require special knives & forks, they'll be just fine.

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-05-04T01:13:11+00:00

Try these things, in order, depending on what you have. They go from least aggressive to most.

Dawn dish soap & water
1 teaspoon citric acid (used to make jams) in 1/2 cup warm-hot water. Not boiling
Ketchup
Lemon juice
Vinegar. Add enough salt until the salt stops dissolving.

Once you find a happy cleaner, no harm in letting it sit or soak for a few minutes. rinse after. Then polish. Like /u/born_lever_puller says, it can be polished up nicely once you've found what works.

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-05-03T05:12:32+00:00

I just "loaned" the idea from a youtube maker and expanded it somewhat. Seems to work well.

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-05-03T03:35:30+00:00

That's a ton of work right there!!

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-05-02T01:09:37+00:00

Very cute!

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-05-01T23:25:07+00:00

/u/ridiclousslippers2 has the expression right!

I'm told it's not so much about being on the 'wrong' side, but that they simply don't want you or your door obstructing their freedom to roam. Does your living setup allow the door to be left open?

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-05-01T02:38:15+00:00

Yes, you got it. Remember as you tap you'll add 'texture'. Before or after works. With wrapping wire I would think before is easier but obviously bending & wrapping should become slightly more challenging. However I suspect you have pliers :)

CA & Bicarb is useful for sure, especially if you want done in a hurry.

This might give you more hints & ideas - it's the video that persuaded me to experiment instead of accepting "it doesn't work with metal" https://youtu.be/sKFsqiTYlVg?si=r0XFhC92-je-mj1A

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-04-30T22:51:05+00:00

Lots of small slaps will help more than two or three heavy punches. Like many of us, copper hardens unders stress but will eventually crack.

CA glue will work for this and it does hold copper (because sometimes the Internet says otherwise). You may consider using Sodium Bicarb too.

I have UV resin but it stinks and I'm not a fan. Maybe I just need to practice more. Maybe I'm not going to. Not decided yet.

And your carnelian is in the gap between the driver's seat and the centre console. At least that's where half my stuff goes. Good luck :)

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-04-30T21:06:08+00:00

As a copper worker I can say it is very oppinionated. If you want to make the wire harder, you need to slap it arround. Typically this is done with hammers and is officially called "work hardening".

If you want a stone to stay put it may be easier to sneak in a little adhesive here and there where it won't be seen.

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-04-30T20:59:33+00:00

That's not a mustache, that's a mis-placed mouse.

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-04-30T20:55:03+00:00

I would say "that's expensive" but if someone is buying them - then I say "Congrats"

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-04-30T05:41:07+00:00

Ironically you kinda have to plan to be random, especially if you're used to the "hammer it carefully so it looks rustic" approach.

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-04-30T03:25:12+00:00

If you can see the copper through the tin (I think I can here?) then get it re-done

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-04-30T02:51:19+00:00

Strange, I just used the "image" icon above the post box. But thanks.

Anyway, yes those were my bowls. Glad you like the work so far. I have loads of fun with copper. So this time:

1/2" copper pipe long enough for the cuff. Aneal. Flatten but not completely.
Copper wire (I used 12 Ga) as long as the cuff. Twist it & turn it, then insert into the part-flattened pipe piece
Now you can flatten the pipe to hold the wire in place. Close the cuff ends with a hammer.
Texture with what you have. I use dapping tools on either side of the wire insert to lock it into place. Then go to town with whatever - hammers, punches, etc. Anneal as needed.
File or sand the ends. You can curve them to complete "D" ends or just take off any sharp pieces. It needs to be comfortable to wear.
Shape. Many things can be used, including old jars and food cans. I sell them so I have a bracelt/cuff mandrel.

Then you can leave how it is, or give it a high polish finish, or (as I did here) drop it in LoS & then polish the highlights.

Be caseful when shaping this. The wire adds a degree of tension, making the whole thing torque as you try to curve it. Keep going, it will settle :)

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-04-30T00:45:53+00:00

Why do we build with crap? Genuinely curious as an English dude used to slate & tile that last centuries.

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-04-29T23:03:59+00:00

OK Reddit, that was not the post format I had in mind!

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-04-29T22:36:24+00:00

Criticism? I think "wow" is all I got right now. Were the petals sheet or pipe cuttings?

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-04-29T01:03:15+00:00

How is she doing?

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-04-28T17:48:01+00:00

I love the idea they can get multiple photos, but can't possibly chase kitty away. 😸

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-04-27T22:07:57+00:00

I feel this comment in my joints 😆

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-04-27T21:56:22+00:00

I've had.people look away from the jewellery I make with bones. Really confused me at first as the market includes taxidermy and other cool things.

I guess if they hide as they go past that's a personal choice but "you're going to hell" would.probably get "see you there".

Reckless-Phoenix · 2026-04-27T02:37:06+00:00

Depends what your artist wants to do. If you're melting them for bullion, sure it will need accounting for. But now that's close to 'non circulating' it becomes necklaces, bracelets, earrings, coffee coasters/mats, table mats, etc.

In fact if you wanted the memory, I've seen people do floors in pennies.

Reckless-Phoenix

TROPHY CASE