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ASTM B-170 Copper

  • Edmund Massow
    • 77 posts
    March 3, 2015 10:18 AM EST

    Hallo Zan,
    Electrolytic Copper is normally nearly always  oxygen free. You must not buy it by the ASTM-Standard. The ASTM B 170 is especially for cable-maker from interest and really more expensive as normal Electrolytic copper. I use since eternal times copper waste which I buy for the scrap-price by a friendly plumber. I never had any problem with these copper.

    Edmund

  • Zan Smith
    • 0 posts
    March 3, 2015 8:18 PM EST
    Thanks again for the technical assistance Edmund. If it is good enough for you then it is definitely good enough for me.
  • Trish White
    • Moderator
    • 114 posts
    March 31, 2015 3:49 PM EDT

    Hi Zan,

    I have recently spoken with Tom Ellis from Thompson Enamels and mentioned your question about the ASTM B-170 oxygen free copper - If you have the Thompson Enamel Work book  - pg. 11 - you will find a whole lot of information by Woodrow Carpenter on the subject of Copper and the testing that has been done - He also said that the Oxygen free copper is an electrical grade - almost pure copper - where as any other copper you buy will have unknown alloys which might not be compatible with enamels, i.e. roof copper - and the only way you will find out is by experimenting - Call Tom Ellis and he will be able to help you - and if you don't have the WORKBOOK I would call them up and ask for one - the information and testing completed by Mr. Carpenter is invaluable.

  • Zan Smith
    • 0 posts
    March 31, 2015 9:24 PM EDT
    Thanks for the information Trish! I talked to Tom not long ago and he was very helpful. Right now I am using Thompsons copper for paid gigs but I will eventually need to get a full sheet. I will definitely look into getting the workbook too.
  • Zan Smith
    • 0 posts
    March 1, 2015 11:16 AM EST
    I just recently purchased some enamels from Thompsons and decided to get some sheet copper stock from them as well. Their copper is specified ASTM B-170 oxygen free. I mainly work with 16 oz soft copper and have an ample supply of that material. I am new to the sport of enameling so I have many questions. I would like to purchase a full sheet of copper that will only be used for enameling. How important is it to use ASTM B-170 vs "standard" copper? When I called my normal supplier they did not stock the B-170 and made it sound like a big deal to get it and then the price was almost double. Does anybody have any recommendations on south eastern US suppliers?