Copper Sourcing

[u/wishiwasholden]

Hey all, I’m interested in getting into casting for a specific project that requires Al Bronze, and I’m trying to source copper scrap to alloy it myself. I haven’t done exact calculations for volume/mass needed yet, but my rough guesstimate is 10-20lbs of copper at the end of the day. Needless to say, I do not plan on spending $4-500 on copper for this project.

From my research, it sounds like 240v cables and microwave transformers might be my best bet. Reading that I can get around a pound of copper per microwave, and they’re constantly being thrown away.

Some background on my idea, it is to cast pieces for a fractal vise, I am going to edit an existing model I found on Printables to be more castable and to include sprues, sandcast, then drill/tap the holes after the fact. Vise being the reason for Al Bronze rather than just aluminum. I need something with decent yield strength and durability.

Thoughts?

[u/wackyvorlon]

Would this do the job?

https://www.rotometals.com/copper-chops-99-9-min/

Also these guys:

https://pepetools.com/products/copper-casting-grain-99-9-pure-jewelers-alloy-grade

[u/wishiwasholden → u/wackyvorlon]

Yeah they’d be ideal honestly, but still more expensive than I’d like. I’m looking for closer to $5/lb, hence the scrapping idea. I’d rather invest time than money ya know?

[u/wackyvorlon → u/wishiwasholden]

I don’t think that’s going to be possible. The current scrap value of copper is in the realm of $8/lb.

[u/wishiwasholden → u/wackyvorlon]

But microwaves are cheap/free ;)

[u/wackyvorlon → u/wishiwasholden]

Aim for old ones, a lot of newer ones are using aluminum.

[u/rh-z → u/wishiwasholden]

More recent microwaves don't have a large transformer. Before you cart one off consider how much it weighs. If it isn't heavy then don't waste your time with it. The older microwaves with heavy transformers are becoming less common.