EQUIPMENT.
The equipment necessary for a start in Copper work need cost but little if the teacher is somewhat ingenious, for the patterns of the various anvils may be made by him; from these patterns the castings can be made at any foundry for three or four cents per pound. It is better to begin with a few anvils and tools and to add one or two at a time as the need is felt for a more varied supply. If the work can be done in a room already fitted with benches and vises, it will reduce the first cost considerably. Any home-made bench will do if a regulation one is not to be had. One that has given satisfaction was made of 2" × 4" studding with plank tops in lengths of 12 feet, giving space for four vises at each bench. A swivel vise that may be turned at any angle will be found satisfactory.
Figure 1.
An annealing tray made of a piece of sheet iron in the shape of a box about 18" square and 3" deep, with the corners lapped and riveted and filled with slag, answers very well, but one similar to the illustration, Figure 1, is better. In this the top is circular and rotary, which is an advantage. A pair of light long nose-tongs are needed to handle the work. Any ordinary foot bellows and blow-pipe will do.
Figure 2.
Plate 1.
A box, Figure 2, large enough to hold two 2-gallon stone jars and about half a bushel of sawdust, is needed. One of the jars is for water in which the object is cooled after being annealed; the other is for pickle which is used to clean the work. The sawdust is used to dry the object after it has been dipped in the water.
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Figure 3. |
Figure 4. Sand Bag or Engraver's Pad |
[Plate 1] illustrates forms of anvils that have been found most useful.
[Plate 2] shows a variety of hammers needed.
[Plate 3] shears and plyers.
The following tools are also necessary:
Cutting shears—straight and curved.
Steel square 12".
Jeweler's saw frame. [Figure 3]
Piercing saws.
Breast drill and assortment of drills.
Plate 2.
Plate 3.
Figure 5.
Chasing tools and punches for embossing.
Figure 6.
Engraving tools.
Compasses.
Calipers.
Surface gauge.
Surface plate.
Assortment of files.
Sand bag or engraver's pad. [Figure 4.]
Pitch block.
A set of chasing tools and punches. [Figure 5.]
A set of engraving tools. [Figure 6.]
A set of dapping tools and dapping die. [Figure 7.].
Plyers—flat nose, round nose, and pointed.
Cloth and felt buffs.
Borax slate.
Two 4-gallon stone crocks.
Mortar and pestle (Porcelain.)
Mouth blow-pipe.
Bench pins.
Figure 7.