| Author |
 Replies: 15 / Views: 35,946 |
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2269 Posts |
Hello all, Over the last 6 years I have been collecting scrap copper from anything and everything. Some of the scrap I have been collecting is 4 gauge welding wire, copper pipes, copper fittings, contactors for electric forklifts (They are nice and heavy), and various other pieces of scrap copper. I have 10+ years working with various types of metals whether it be copper, brass, aluminum, iron, etc. Basically inexpensive metals, no precious metals. Usually I accumulate a large quantity of copper and wait til the price is right, then I scrap it at the local scrap yard. For the last year, I have been researching how to cast copper into ingots at home.  My goal is to purchase a few different size graphite molds so I can make my own copper ingots. I have seen the prices that copper ingots bring on ebay and it is not worth buying them. The premiums are ridiculous and is not too practical. For someone who wants to save copper in ingot form instead of scrap, buying already cast ingots is not worth the price. Besides, wanting to make my own ingots, I have also thought about advertising my casting services for the sole purpose of creating ingots for customers with their own copper or aluminum. Because, I have many years experience working with metals, I already own the best personal safety equipment on the market. The cost of supplies is very inexpensive which basically consists of a silica crucible and graphite molds. I guess you can call it a hobby with the potential to make a few extra dollars. I will probably be building my own "home" foundry over the next week or so. With the knowledge I have, does anyone think melting down copper into ingots is a fun sounding idea?  I always wanted to take my scrap copper and turn it into copper ingots. I guess I got bit by the copper bug. Like I said, making my own copper ingots is a new hobby for me. I don't plan on quitting my day job anytime soon. Also before anyone asks, I have no intention of melting down any Pre-1982 copper cents. I wouldn't want to take the risk and I would prefer to have purer ingots than what copper pennies could produce. I can stack my copper bars next to my silver and gold bars. Making my own copper bullion is a new adventure for me, I appreciate any and every comment. I know of no other person who has thought of doing the same thing. |
|
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
745 Posts |
what is the Energy cost to melt copper and is it worth the cost of fuel?
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
672 Posts |
I have seen a few home foundry's built. Most are made out of propane which you probally already know. I have seen a few people who have been successful with wood or coal fired ones. I would imagine if you could get one to consistanly get hot enought out of wood you could keep you costs low.
|
|
Valued Member
Canada
262 Posts |
For the record, the copper in pre-1982 cents can technically be separated by electroplating in a bath of sulphuric acid, not sure if this is economical or not.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
 United States
2269 Posts |
The ideal melting temperature for copper is 1985 degrees fahrenheit. I will probably opt for the propane fueled foundry, I have a connection to an owner of a propane filling shop so my fuel costs are going to be minimal. As for copper, I am only going to be melting down my own scrapped copper which did not cost me any money at all. I have read about people using recycled oil to fuel their foundry, but I am more knowledgeable with propane. Using a basic LP tank commonly used for grills, I can probably melt approximately 2 -3 pounds of copper. My cost to refill the tank is going to be less than half the cost of fuel. I have a few things going for me. I know someone who owns a propane shop and is going to give me a huge discount (family friend)  and I obtain all my copper for free. Like I said I am starting this as a hobby and a personal investment for myself. I am toying around with the idea of advertising my services to melt copper, aluminum, brass, or lead into ingots. I would probably only ask enough to cover fuel costs and a small fee for my time. Personally I would like to add copper bars to my collection, I wonder if other people see copper as an investment too? I plan to hang on to most of what I produce, I may sell a few of them. |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2269 Posts |
I have read about separating the copper from the zinc, but I don't think the risk is worth it in the end. I don't know what the penalty is for melting copper cents, I would imagine it may include a hefty fine and some jail time. Not worth it for me. Plus doing so would add an additional step to the process and I couldn't bare to melt Lincoln.  |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1391 Posts |
If you are able to make some copper ingots I would try selling them on craigslist. I have people selling copper pennies on mine for spot and those copper copies of the silver eagle. All for an excessive amount I should add.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Mexico
1304 Posts |
I have read about plenty of folks that dabble in the copper market via scrap. If making it into ingot is fun, saves space, and turns out a nice looking finish product, I'd say go for it!
I know that if there were some stackable copper (Aka Scottsdale stackable 10 oz silver bars) I'd like to have some. (Again, depends on the price!)
Would you mind sharing some photos when your project comes to fruition?
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2269 Posts |
Absolutely. I plan on taking lots of photos. I will probably video my first cast. I was also considering having a contest to celebrate my first batch of ingots.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3670 Posts |
I really like the idea of learning to pour, but would prefer to pour silver bars instead. Copper eventually may become the next silver one day, I just don't know if I will still be alive to see it, as I would think that may be way down the road....
Of course your plan of scrapping copper an probably having little in it, sounds like a good chance at profit. If the fuel an running cost to pour them does not out weigh the money they bring in, then why not....
I know with silver the big issue is chemicals an acid, not a novice thing to be messing with even though you seem to have did some great homework over the last year on this an no way more about it then I....
Having the right tools an containers would no doubt be most key. I imagine you would have similar hurdles to cross with chemicals an fumes from the copper. UNFORESEEN problems will bring any operation to a crashing halt, if not managed an fixed quickly......
Edited by Silverhawk74
05/15/2012 3:35 pm
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
745 Posts |
Spider5689,  have a contest to celebrate our first batch of ingots! Let me know if you have a contest. any way to put a serial number on them? Maybe you could even makeup a brand name and become next Engelhard of copper!  Edited by Penny4Me
05/15/2012 9:37 pm
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2269 Posts |
Quote:
Maybe you could even makeup a brand name and become next Engelhard of copper It's funny you should say that. Tonight I was looking into a company that will make any custom graphite molds with either a name or insignia. It didn't take me too long to decide to have a contest. I will definitely have one in the coming weeks. I just have to figure out what kind of contest to have.  Edited by Spider5689
05/15/2012 11:40 pm
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
745 Posts |
have a contest for best name or design of insignia for copper graphite molds.
what size/oz are these copper bars/ingots?
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2269 Posts |
Penny4Me, that is a great idea having a contest where the best name or design of an insignia wins a prize.
The only downside to that is it would take me a few weeks to two months from the time the contest ends to the time I receive the mold. I would hate to have a contest with a prize that might take up to two months to send out. It's still a good Idea. I will ponder it some more.
I am thinking about getting molds in a variety of sizes so I can pour the entire contents of the crucible into molds without wasting any. I will probably purchase 1 ounce, 8 ounce, and 1 pound molds.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3670 Posts |
I have already WON this contest, as I see a simple design of a black widow (somehow use color an put red spots on the belly) an the word Spider copper incorp .9999, rof  .... You come up with something that cool, heck I will jump on the copper boat an start buying your ingots, lol..... Edited by Silverhawk74
05/16/2012 12:18 am
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2269 Posts |
SilverHawk, I like the way you think. Very catchy name and great idea for an insignia. It would definitely stand out. I can open up an new market. Colorized bars, they will sell great on HSN. Edited by Spider5689
05/16/2012 12:31 am
|
| |
Replies: 15 / Views: 35,946 |
|
Posted 05/14/2012 10:52 pm
