I was thinking about making a copper top plate for a tube amp. I was warned that it may not be worth it because of the oxidizing that will occur. What kind of experience have other had, and how if so did you slow the oxidation?
Copper's soft, I'd advise against using it.
Better to go with aluminum or steel of a suitable gauge.
Better to go with aluminum or steel of a suitable gauge.
Oxidized copper isn't ugly unless it's worn off unevenly, but you could design it so it can be polished if necessary.
I'd second this, copper is basically not machinable (mechanically) and bends and snags horribly even trying to drill a hole. You'd be better off copper-plating a steel part if you want a copper finish. Or even PCB stock.
The most copper-alike hardenable (and thus machinable) alloy is beryllium copper which is toxic to machine due to the beryllium. And its not quite the same colour anyway.
If you do want to work in copper sheet I'd suggesting finding a firm that can laser-cut metal as that's the only way thats going to give a decent finish. Or simply use brass!
Copper is also too weak for structural use and would be very easily dented accidentally unless backed by something stronger - another reason to go for copper-plating perhaps?
You could always have the majority of the machining done with a laser cutter. I've posted about my experiences using Send Cut Send Online Laser and CNC cutting for metals and plastics - Instant Quotes and they offer copper as a material. Their prices are amazingly low for one off or low production numbers. I'm never bothering with chassis punches or drilling again.
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I'm building a preamp with a copper top plate. I bought a sheet of copper on the 'net and cut out a rectangle using a hand held jig saw (easy). I then kludged together some bits and pieces so that I could hammer some bends along each edge to stiffen up the plate and help with mounting. I have cut out a square opening for a horizontally mounted power transformer and it's screw holes. That's as far as I've got. No issues working with it at all, of course it's different from working with Aluminum and Steel but I rather enjoy the change and chance to gain a little experience along the way.
Just go for it, you can always scrap it but you know how it goes 'nothing ventured is nothing gained'
Just go for it, you can always scrap it but you know how it goes 'nothing ventured is nothing gained'
Buy one of these and start selling custom plates? 😀
High Definition CNC Plasma Cutter for Sheet Metal Manufacturing | STYLECNC
High Definition CNC Plasma Cutter for Sheet Metal Manufacturing | STYLECNC
Try Bronze, an alloy of Copper and Tin traditionally. It is not so soft as pure Copper, the alloy process indeed can make it somewhat brittle, but not as brittle as Iron....and Bronze as it oxidizes makes for a beautiful patina.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Rick...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Rick...
The stock one in the kit is aluminum, I just want to see if it sounds better.
I'll definitely paint the top, I'm only trying this for the increased conductivity. It's the bottom I worry about I guess. Would oxidation effect sound quality?
It would be copper sheet and I'm planning on having FPE do the machining. I'm not concerned with finish as I'll paint the top. It's really what will happen to the bottom where the components are that I wonder about.
At the end of the day it'll probably be $375 once done if I order the plate from online metals, then ship to FPE and receive it. At that price point I guess it's more of a curiosity. I just can't get it out of my head
You could go with a thin copper sheet on top of the aluminum one. You can cut it with a good matte knife using the aluminum one as a template. As far as sound improvement goes it’s negligible. If you go solid you can use it as a ground plane soldering grounds directly on to it. But if you go solid copper it will sag over time and go green on you. For looks alone the thin sheet is the way to go.
yeah, the sagging and the green part is what worries me. Doesn't sound like a worthwhile experiment if the improvement in sound is negligible
Why would it improve sound? Ground plane that conducts better? For mechanical strength you could easily use plastic (Lexan or even acrylic).
No reason not to use a copper _PLATE_ ... That means to me 6mm+ (or 1/4") or it's _NOT_ plate. Plate != sheet.
It will eventually turn green like the Statue of Liberty if not coated with something, but it will work mechanically and electrically.
No reason not to use a copper _PLATE_ ... That means to me 6mm+ (or 1/4") or it's _NOT_ plate. Plate != sheet.
It will eventually turn green like the Statue of Liberty if not coated with something, but it will work mechanically and electrically.
Curiosity?
Or paranoia?
If any (sonic) benefits to using copper as described, you'd think that manufactuers of "high end" products would have already used it.
Thinking things through, in a sane, reasonable, and intelligent way, is a good thing.
By intelligent, I mean having the fundamental basics learned and understood.
Things like Ohms Laws, color codes, wiring and lead-dress fundamentals, and reading up on proper wiring/grounding techniques.
Chassis/PCB layouts included.
Frequency properties, be it audio, or RF/IF, and how they react to outside influences, or interferences.
All these things (and more) must be in your toolbox (brain) before starting on a project.
Don't rely heavily on "internet" information, because a some of it can be mistaken or hyped, or confusing due to opinions of some.
Book publications are more accurate, without the plethora of internet suggestions.
But avoid "overthinking", because then it becomes a burden and clogs the mind.
