It works well on plain copper but not so on silicon bronze. I have been trying to get the bronze to go red bit all i get is a weak layer that flakes off easily.
I’ve used this method on fold formed copper that I recycle from old water pipes, and it works well. Interesting that Ford mentions it will work with plain water, that’s been my experience too. I do get better results using borax, though I don’t know the chemistry behind it. My thoughts are that it may form a fine layer of glaze on the hot metal, much as you find when it’s used as a soldering flux. That might either make the oxide layer stronger or do something to modify the reaction between the copper and oxygen that creates the red colour.
That was an awesome class. Great instruction and the attendees were so interesting.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great timing. I wanted to use this technique on some mokume for a bowie I am making.
Awesome colour change.
Ford Hallam is a master.
Fabulous, thank you
I've gotten patches like that when trying to anneal some cups I was raising. Never knew what was causing it.
That is extremely cool
I wonder if this will work on plain old copper as I need to make seppa , and I wonder how the borax works🤔 great work Ford
It works well on plain copper but not so on silicon bronze. I have been trying to get the bronze to go red bit all i get is a weak layer that flakes off easily.
I’ve used this method on fold formed copper that I recycle from old water pipes, and it works well. Interesting that Ford mentions it will work with plain water, that’s been my experience too. I do get better results using borax, though I don’t know the chemistry behind it. My thoughts are that it may form a fine layer of glaze on the hot metal, much as you find when it’s used as a soldering flux. That might either make the oxide layer stronger or do something to modify the reaction between the copper and oxygen that creates the red colour.