Tips for Working with Copper
Raw copper wire is my favorite metal to work with. I prefer copper because I can so easily vary its flexibility or temper. That is, I can easily make it soft when I need to, when I want to weave a complex pattern.
Instructions
I use a flame for softening the wire, which is called annealing. It’s necessary to heat the wire to a red color.
After heating, the copper darkens. To remove this oxidization, add about a spoonful of citric acid to a glass of water).
Heat the solution with the wire for a few minutes on the stove.
The copper will come out perfectly clean.
However, sometimes we need to make the copper hard again for things such as earring wires or clasps.
To work harden the wire, pull it through a cloth, or twist it. Or, you can hammer it with a nylon hammer to keep from marring it. Or flatten it with a regular hammer.
To work harden the wire, pull it through a cloth, or twist it. Or, you can hammer it with a nylon hammer to keep from marring it. Or flatten it with a regular hammer.
Materials
20 Gauge Half Round Half Hard Copper Wire
H11-20HRH
- Lesson Quantity: 12.00 inches
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
- Price: $0.53
- Gold Club Price: $0.40
Copper Wire
Tools
Blazer GB4001 Stingray Torch, Blue
TRCH-4002
- TRCH-4002
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $49.95
- Gold Club Price: $37.46
Ceramic Soldering Board 6in
SOL-465.10
- SOL-465.10
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $21.57
- Gold Club Price: $16.18
NATURES TOUCH CITRIC PICKLE, 2LB PLASTIC JAR
CLN-163.00
- CLN-163.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Chasing Hammer with Wooden Handle, 1 1/8 Inch Face
G3-27
- G3-27
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $13.95
- Gold Club Price: $10.46
Bench Block Helper with Steel and Nylon Blocks
DAP-500.30
- DAP-500.30
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $29.95
- Gold Club Price: $22.46
Domed Face Nylon Hammer
HAM-394.00
- HAM-394.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $15.95
- Gold Club Price: $11.96
Supply Detail
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- Category: Design
- Technique(s): Butane Torch Techniques
Making Balled Ear Wires
Giving Your Copper Jewelry a Vintage Glow
Quick Hairpins
Quick Hairpins
Making Quick Work of Twisting Wire 
Final Finishing for Copper
Making Quick Work of Twisting Wire
Wire Weaving Tip
Smooth Texturing
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