Is this copper wire suitable shaping
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drgonzo
David D
Billy M. Rhodes
Josh S.
8 posters
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Is this copper wire suitable shaping
I do electrical work and have access to any size and any length copper wire that's available. And not with the insulation on I do strip the insulation off. My question is, is it known to be suitable for trees and plants? I know copper wire used for electrical work might have a coating on it or a layer or something that might be toxic. Other than that copper wire is no different from the next copper wire only it measured in the terms 16 AWG and #8 wire. Im not cheap but if I have access to wire why not use it instead of buying expensive Bonsai wire.
-Josh
-Josh
Josh S.- Member
Re: Is this copper wire suitable shaping
Nothing wrong with the free wire, but it might need to be annealed. This is a heat treatment that softens the wire so it can be worked more easily. Then as you work the wire around the tree it makes it harder. Usually annealing means getting the wire red glowing hot and then letting it cool. I would strip the plastic coating first. An old Bonsai friend would use his Barbeque grill, when he finished his steaks he would put the wire on the coals.
Billy M. Rhodes- Member
Re: Is this copper wire suitable shaping
I have done the same thing with electrical wire. After stripping the coating I used a torch to heat the wire in a vice. Never been a problem for my trees and as Billy stated it is easier to work after it is annealed.
David D- Member
Re: Is this copper wire suitable shaping
I anneal copper wire in my wood stove. Though you're not likely to have one down in florida.
-Jay
-Jay
drgonzo- Member
Re: Is this copper wire suitable shaping
Don't lay the wire on a metal grill to anneal it, if you go too far the copper could begin to melt and stick to the grill, that is why you see us talking about wood or charcoal. The wire is laid right on the coals.
Billy M. Rhodes- Member
Re: Is this copper wire suitable shaping
fiona wrote:Remind me, what's a barbecue again?
It is a Southern United States Male Redneck ritual that involves meat and beer.
The secrets of the ceremony are not shared with females and certainly not with aliens.
Although I have heard reports of a similar ritual in Australia but usually involving seafood, which is a total heresy.
Billy M. Rhodes- Member
Re: Is this copper wire suitable shaping
To ease myself from the tyranny of copper wire, I took up clip and grow, or grow and clip as you wish, with the use of large pots.
BUT as an ace in the hole, I also have the jewellery equipment to draw cast copper shapes into wire.
AND to further "irritate" Billy, we have further added on the cookery of - curry-que -
Later.
Khaimraj
BUT as an ace in the hole, I also have the jewellery equipment to draw cast copper shapes into wire.
AND to further "irritate" Billy, we have further added on the cookery of - curry-que -
Later.
Khaimraj
Khaimraj Seepersad- Member
Re: Is this copper wire suitable shaping
NOW yer talkin'! And you can do all of this indoors can you ?Khaimraj Seepersad wrote: we have further added on the cookery of - curry-que -
fiona- Member
Re: Is this copper wire suitable shaping
Barbecue is a backyard activity, it by definition can not be done inside.
Also, if charcoal is used, which is the only true source of heat for barbecue, it really isn't safe indoors. (The fumes)
Also, if charcoal is used, which is the only true source of heat for barbecue, it really isn't safe indoors. (The fumes)
Billy M. Rhodes- Member
Re: Is this copper wire suitable shaping
raw copper wire wont do a lot more than aluminum wire for bonsai. Copper becomes easily worked when annealed, but becomes work-hardened when bent. Physical properties change when it is bent that wont be changed back until it is reheated, thereby making it a good choice for holding it's shape when bent on branches.
See this article by one of our own. http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/copperwi.htm
See this article by one of our own. http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/copperwi.htm
lordy- Member
Re: Is this copper wire suitable shaping
redneck meat ritual lol, classic! - here in sunny ! cornwall we love doing beer can chicken in the weber, but salmon and smoke chips is pretty good too, and garlic bread............
now i'm hungry
now i'm hungry
marcus watts- Member
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