working with copper some questions

[JAG1]

I'd like some deck posts made of copper square tubing; is there anyway a base plate , for deck mounting can be welded/ fused to the square tubing? Other than soldering?

 

Trying to do something that will look sort of old world weathered with time.

 

Also will stainless bolts react with the copper and ruin the strength?

 

Thank you

[MnTom]

You can use brazing rod to weld the copper to steel, or you could use silver solder too, but the brass is stronger. You will get some electrolysis by using dissimilar metals but you should be good where welded. What kind of base plate do you have?

[JAG1]

The base plates will be copper also so I can bolt the posts down to the deck.

 

Are you saying it's okay to use brazing rod to connect the square tubing to base plates?

 

Thank you MnTom I appreciate this.

 

Lucky I only need 9 posts as it could get expensive. And I already have the stainless cables to go thru the new posts.

 

My wood posts are just starting to show signs of rot.

Edited April 13, 2014 by JAG1

[hex0rz]

You could also isolate the two dissimilar metals by using nylon bushings, etc.

[Ilikeoldfords]

A good plumber would also know how to work with copper and attach it in certain ways. Had some copper plumbing done in my old camper and they had to do some "welding" of the copper tubing/fittings.

 

On a side note, your deck is going to get pretty expensive with all that copper. Hope someone doesnt come in the night and "help themselves" so to speak. Had a real problem with that when I lived in Yakima, WA. They would even cut whole wiring harnesses off peoples cars at night just to get the copper!!

[MnTom]

Like I said, brazing would be the strongest and next would be silver solder. You could also use some 95/5 plumbing solder.

[JAG1]

A good plumber would also know how to work with copper and attach it in certain ways. Had some copper plumbing done in my old camper and they had to do some "welding" of the copper tubing/fittings.

 

On a side note, your deck is going to get pretty expensive with all that copper. Hope someone doesnt come in the night and "help themselves" so to speak. Had a real problem with that when I lived in Yakima, WA. They would even cut whole wiring harnesses off peoples cars at night just to get the copper!!

It's on the back and there is no stairs going up there. Besides I live in a real burglar trap as there's only one way out. All neighbors have guns, but the agreement is to just block the road with their cars and walk away till the county sheriff gets there. We got it set up to where one phone call gets everyone alerted so they can't get out and neither will our belongings. he he Too many trees to go around.

Edited April 15, 2014 by JAG1

[hodag56]

I 'm a retired plumber and like MnTom said you can silver solder solder (silfos) the or braze them.Regardless your going to have some bucks tied up in them.

[MnTom]

I 'm a retired plumber and like MnTom said you can silver solder solder (silfos) the or braze them.Regardless your going to have some bucks tied up in them.

Me too, plus I am also a Pipefitter.

[JAG1]

 You guys make all the money. Plumbers, steam fitters got gold inlay on their door trim.

[MnTom]

Yep. That is why I am driving a 1996 truck and my fifthwheel is a 2006 and I am still paying on it........

[dripley]

 You guys make all the money. Plumbers, steam fitters got gold inlay on their door trim.

 

 

You are like me with nothing but a 'woodie' to drive.

[MnTom]

Oh, I made good money when I was working, the only problem was there was not enough of it!! Problem I have now is I am no longer working..........and won't be for the rest of my life. In other words I have retired on a disability.

[JAG1]

I hear you guys being in the trades myself. I did manage to build a home with shear determination, Did almost everything since I did not have much money. Never worked so hard, such long hours in my life. It was worth it as I look back.

Edited April 15, 2014 by JAG1

[JAG1]

You are like me with nothing but a 'woodie' to drive.

Wish I had a woodie, one on a car show other night said it's worth around 50 60 grand.

[dripley]

Wish I had a woodie, one on a car show other night said it's worth around 50 60 grand.

 I was thinking more like wood stake rails on the 12+ year old truck.

 

Yep. That is why I am driving a 1996 truck and my fifthwheel is a 2006 and I am still paying on it........

At lest my truck is an 02, but the rv is 05 and I am still paying for it. Bad financial decision on my part.

[JAG1]

I used to have an F250 that I built wood slat rails/ railing around the back. Even had a removable back . I had it all stained and varnished to look like furniture and looked real nice. In those days I was like today.....   but, I know everything is going to be alright since I can afford Chic-fil-a meals . And camping

Edited April 15, 2014 by JAG1

[MnTom]

Never been to a chic-fil-a. May have try to find one sometime.

[dripley]

The food is good, they are good people to work with and they have been putting groceries on my table for 16 years. I guess I am a little prejudiced. But if they are packed, I am going somewhere else.

[MnTom]

Tell them you want to build one up here. Then I could have some.