History - The advantages of using copper have been known since the Bronze Age. The current methods of "sheet metal working" are only about 300 years old having been developed here just after the American Colonial period. Often a tradesman worked with more than one type of metal, such as copper, tin, pewter, and silver. Paul Revere was most well known to his peers as a silversmith, but after the American independence, he developed the first copper rolling mill in America.  Most of the sheet copper I use comes from that same Revere Copper Company.

Custom  Work - I will gladly consider custom work within the normal range of my shop. However, until the state law changes, if you want a moonshine still, I will have to see your ABC permit first.

Blacksmithing - By the 1970's, blacksmithing as a trade was all but forgotten. A handful of old timers carried on the trade, usually as a part-time retirement business. I was fortunate to know and learn from several of the old masters. Today, blacksmithing as an art is thriving. I focus on the more basic steel fabrication such as kettle repairs and kettle stands.  With my stand design, the stand ring cradles the kettle by the top edge of the kettle using the kettle ring. The stand does not touch the kettle on the sides which would create undesirable hot spots. Hot spot can easily burn the sugar in your cooking food.

Helpful Hints - Cleaning and maintenance of copper kettles and pans - To keep your copper container clean and shiny, wash it soon after use, and then dry it COMPLETELY, immediately. A paper towel will get a kettle dryer than a cloth towel. Storing in a dry place will help prevent tarnishing. I recommend using "Wright' Copper Cream" when you need to remove any tarnish it is available in grocery and hardware stores.

Preventing mosquitoes in rain barrels - To prevent mosquitoes larva from growing in standing water such as rain barrels, place a piece of copper in the water. The equivalent of an 18 inch section of household copper water pipe will be enough for a barrel size container.