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.
Copper pans - I make several sizes of flat-bottomed copper pans shaped as wash pans and wash tubs. Pans are for those seeking rustic copper wares for period correct decor or re-enactor use. The process - The pieces are cutout from flat sheets of copper, the shapes are rolled and formed on hundred year old hand crank machines. Pans are soldered to be water tight. Several 19th century beading styles are available. Pans are available with handles or a hang-up loop.
Custom Work - I will gladly consider custom work within the normal range of my shop.
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 work such as making kettle stands, and kettle top ring repairs.
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 immediately dry it COMPLETELY inside. 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.
