[SEL] Repair of old copper water tank

[Jerry Evans]

Hi Paul,
         Late reply to this one but , although I've followed the thread, 
I've just been too busy to reply. Here's my 2 cents worth.

         I agree with Orrin and others - you cannot beat solder. It's 
authentic and, in my opinion, old copper should have a few dents and 
repairs even if not done perfectly (remember that repairs were often done 
by the farmer/owner and not each one of them was a skilled tradesman) - 
that's what gives it character - if it does not have a few dents then give 
it some !!. Solder also polishes up well with the copper. You did say 
"small corrosion holes" - these can even be repaired with a small electric 
soldering iron and cored solder wire - bigger holes will need a copper 
patch "sweated" on with a larger soldering iron but will also add character.

         Dave Ernst suggested catsup (we call it tomato sauce). It works 
due to the acid (I'm not sure which one, is it ascetic or citric) in the 
tomato sauce.

         My preferred method is to use a lemon and salt. Put some coarse 
salt into a saucer, cut a lemon into quarters and dab the lemon into the 
salt, then use the lemon to "scrub" the copper. It removes all the old 
tarnish and other stuff and leaves the copper a pinkish colour. Wash it 
with clean water and then brass polish or buff to restore the beautiful 
copper colour.

         This works on both brass and copper.

Keep the revs up (or down)
Jerry Evans
Near Johannesburg in Sunny South Africa.
(Winners of the 2007 Rugby World cup).
                              *****************
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