Posted by Hans on May 04, 1997 at 23:53:14:
In Reply to: Tinning Copper Cookware posted by Neil Sheldon CPC on May 04, 1997 at 16:57:46:
: I need the instructions and or kit to retinne my copper cookeware.
Neil,
the process is actually very simple, just like sweating nipples on copperpipes.
I tinned wiremesh during summerbreak in my fathers factory to be used in airplane fuel filters (no, not the planes that attacked England, too young for that).
You need pure tin, acid flux and a torch. The copper surface should be brightly polished with very fine emery cloth, no corrosion remaining. Then apply the fluxpaste or liquid with a brush, heat the copper with the torch and when the sheen changes from bright to dull, apply the tin to the copper, not directly in the flame, until all the surface is covered with a good coat.
If the copper changes color to blue or green, you are applying too much heat. Tin can stand quite a bit of heat before it melts or evaporates.
Your biggest challenge will be to find pure tin or a tin/silver alloy that works even better.
Last time I bought pure tin it was like $ 8.00 per pound and from a gentlemen who specializes in suppling bullet casting metal. I would like to give you his adress but I am 600 miles from my house right at this minute. Search the engines for "reloading",
that should give you some hyperlinks.
Just stay away from anything containing even traces of lead.
If that seems like too much, check your Yellow Pages for retinners in your area. A disappearing trade just like buggywhip makers.
Sincerely,
HWK,CMC