How to Melt Copper Pennies?
Copper is a valuable metal that can be used in numerous items to enhance their beauty and texture. It is a transition metal that conducts heat and electricity quickly. That’s why it can be used in several types of craftworks. Copper can be melted and used for storing as ingots or for casting different types of jewelry. But how to melt copper pennies? Well, that’s a good question. In fact, if you have got pre-1982 pennies, you will get more than their face value. Those coins contain around 95% copper, which can be melted down and used for many valuable purposes.
Copper is a great metal to work with at home because it can be melted using any household instrument. If you have a small amount of copper, you can use a blowtorch or stovetop to melt it. Because copper conducts heat and electricity quickly, you won’t need any industrial induction for the process.
The process of melting pennies can release harmful Zinc oxide fumes. If you breathe in these fumes, you could get sick with symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, and headache.
Properties of Copper
Copper is a soft and flexible metal that is bright reddish in color. It is a good conductor of electricity and heat, which means it is easy to melt. The melting point of copper is around 1083 degrees, which is relatively high compared to other metals. However, it can be easily melted if you have the right equipment.
There are no harmful impacts when melting copper coins, however things are different when it comes to zinc. This is because when a copper coin is melted, zinc oxide is spread into the air. Older copper coins from before 1982 contain 5% zinc, with the rest being 95% copper. However, the coins after 1982 have a higher level of zinc, 97.5%.
It is not recommended to use pennies made after 1982, as they may release harmful substances when melted. Always perform the melting process in a well-ventilated area, preferably with power-assisted ventilation.
No matters what you do, just make sure not to inhale the fumes. Otherwise, you have fallen victim to several flues.
How to Melt Copper Pennies?
Okay, if you have ensured the precautions and found the ventilated place, it is time to start the main process. In this case, we are going to end up the entire process with some simple steps. So, let’s dive in!
Step 1
Turn on the TIG welder and get it ready. Before starting the operation, you have to turn on the machine properly. Then, set up all the necessary configurations like AC frequency, gas flow rate, electrode extension, welding current, etc. Ensure that everything is working fine before you start the process.
While you are setting up the configurations, there is one more thing that you need to ensure. And that is you should choose the right electrode for your project.
However, I put the ten pennies on the spoon and held it above the torch with locking pliers. The wooden clamp kept the held the spoon securely. Soon the zinc liquefied from copper, and then I removed the copper from there. I used a metal probe for this process.
Step 2
At this stage, I took the blank and then machined the ends. Next, I drilled a hole through from the center. As I got the copper blank, I planned to make a ring with it.
Step 3
Next, I expanded the blank according to the size of the finger. I used a hammer over a pry bar and hammered over ½ socket bit. By hammering a few times, I reached my desired size. You can continue hammering until you get your desired size.
Step 4
Now, it is time for the final touch up. Once you have completed the above steps, you just have to polish it just like I did. It will give shinny and smooth look to the ring. Thus, your home-made copper ring is ready to use. See, it is simple, I told from the beginning. I have got my new ornament. You can also make yours for your personal use, or you can gift to your beloved person. It will be a wonderful gift, indeed.
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Conclusion
How to melt copper pennies? Have you got your answer, or are you still confused? Hopefully, I was able to clear the facts. It is simple; you just have to light the blow torch and hold it under the bowl. Make sure to keep it at full force. I have made a copper ring by melting my old copper pennies; you can also make different types of ornaments or just store it for various usage. If you got some better plans to make with melted copper, please let us know through the comment section.
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Jane Hubbard
Jane has always been passionate about hair and beauty. After many years of working as a hairdresser specialist, she decided to start her own consultancy business. She is an experienced haircare and beauty consultant, and she loves helping others find the perfect look for them. She has been writing articles for DIY quickly for over 3 years. In her free time she enjoys keeping up with the latest news in the industry, practicing yoga, and spending time with her friends and family.
