2009 December | Quick Ship Metals News-Blog

The Ever Changing Copper Penny

Dec 312009

By Frank Ross

Inflation has slowly but surely consumed the value of our fiat greenbacks, and reduced the worth of a penny to compensating for the odd numbers in a sale between a nickel and nothing. Today, it is common to find pennies lying on the pavement in parking lots. People drop them when they reach for their keys, and don’t consider them of sufficient value to bend over and pick up.

The common penny in some of it's many forms.

I pick them up, partly because I’m old enough to have spent my youth collecting pop bottles and cashing them in at the neighborhood grocery store for two cents each. Back in the 50s, a summer day spent collecting bottles could yield enough money to buy a ticket to the theater ($.35), and if you were lucky, a bag of popcorn and a soda!

My second interest in picking up these round copper wafers is a curiosity of the date and mint mark, a habit that lingers from another youthful endeavor, coin collecting. And of course, finding a rare wheat penny is always a treat for a one-time coin collector.

Over the years, the composition of the penny has changed many times, and today there isn’t enough copper in them to matter. Back in the old days, I mean the really old days, from 1793 to 1837, the penny was made of pure copper.

Then, from 1837 to 1857, the one cent coin was bronze, made of a composition 95 percent copper and five percent tin and zinc.

In 1857 they changed the composition again, making it from 88 percent copper and 12 percent nickel. This alloy gave the coin a whitish appearance.

The Indian Head Cent became the new classic small penny in 1859 and remained in that style for 50 years. Curiously, the image actually isn’t an Indian, but a representation of Lady Liberty wearing an Indian headdress. In 1909 the Lincoln Cent was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth and went on to replace the Indian Head Cent.

After seven years, the government changed its mind again, and the penny was once again bronze. From 1864 to 1962, the composition was 95 percent copper and five percent tin and zinc, with a slight hiccup for the war effort in 1943. In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, the heads of wheat on the coin’s reverse side was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial in 1959.

The demand for copper during the early days of WWII caused the mints to make the coins of zinc coated steel. However, a few copper pennies were minted during 1943, and anything that is rare is valued by collectors. The 1943 copper penny is one of the most highly coveted coins in the world, which is reflected in their value. A 1943 copper cent was first offered for sale in 1958, bringing more than $40,000. A subsequent piece sold for $10,000 at an American Numismatic Association convention in 1981. The highest amount paid for a 1943 copper cent was $82,500 in 1996.

In 1962 the tin content was removed from the cent, making the composition 95 percent copper and five percent zinc. The alloy remained unchanged until 1982, when it became a copper-plated zinc coin made up of 97.5 percent zinc and 2.5 percent copper.

Change is the one constant in life, and unfortunately change is often not for the better. For me, a penny should have more copper than 2.5 percent. And that’s another reason that makes finding a wheat penny special. Who knows, perhaps someday I’ll bend over and pick up a 1943 copper penny that’s been overlooked for all these years. Well, it’s worth dreaming about isn’t it?

One thing you can be sure of, the quality of copper at quickshipMetals.com doesn’t change. When you need copper, give them a call. 1-888-334-2177

Copper is a safe alternate for controlling some insects

Copper Curiosities, Simple Solutions

Dec 312009

By Frank Ross

In addition to copper’s amazing properties, it is also an effective tool for controlling other bothersome pests such as mosquitoes and slugs.

Photo by Robin Rosetta.

People living in damp climates, such as the Pacific Northwest, are often plagued with slimy, creeping, plant-eating slugs. There are about 40 different kinds of slugs living in the U.S., but only about half of them are considered pests. The good news is, you don’t have to know what kind of slug you have because the methods of control are the same for all of them.

Slugs have voracious appetites and can destroy a garden over night if enough of them slither in. While chemicals are available, a far safer method of controlling slugs is to set up barriers of copper strips. Some people even use a line of copper pennies to establish a barrier that snails can’t cross. Although these coins current value is probably greater for their recycled metal, strips of copper sheeting are far easier to work with and less likely to be disturbed.

According to University of Idaho extension entomologist Bob Stoltz, there is an environmentally friendly method that repels slugs and doesn’t put harmful chemicals into the soil. Barriers made of strips of copper sheeting work very well because copper causes a reaction with the slug’s mucous that is similar to an electric shock, and that is what repels the slugs.

Making your own copper barriers is simple. Cut the copper sheeting into strips at least two or three inches wide and place them along the edge of your garden’s border, pressing the metal down approximately one inch into the soil. Just make sure you’ve removed all of the slugs from the area you are encircling, or you’ll be keeping the slugs inside instead of out.

You can also use copper strips to prevent slugs from climbing the trunks of trees. If you attach the strips at the end using paperclips instead of a permanent seal, the copper strips will be able to expand as the tree grows and the trunk expands.

The all too familiar droning hum of an approaching mosquito is standard fare during summer months, and in warmer climates there really is no down time for this deadly driller. That’s right; a mosquito’s bite can be far more serious than an itching whelp.

These pesky insects may be small, but each year their bite spreads diseases to more than 700 million people worldwide. Mosquito borne diseases include malaria, and viruses such as dengue, encephalitis and yellow fever. And, don’t forget about heartworms in pets.

Copper can’t help you once these bugs are airborne, but the best method of killing mosquitoes is when they’re in the early stages of development. Mosquitoes deposit their larvae in standing water. Without water they can’t reproduce, so the first line of defense is to make sure there are no reservoirs of standing water around your home. It doesn’t have to be much water either, water in the bottoms of planters or birdbaths are common sources for breeding bugs. The best option is to have no standing water, but in areas where it rains a lot this becomes a weekly if not daily task.

A better solution is to take copper scraps and drop them into areas that hold water. Copper leeches into the water and the copper solution is toxic to mosquito larva. A solution of copper water will kill mosquito larva before they can mature. Before you start sprinkling copper scraps into water, remember it is toxic to tropical fish and invertebrates as well, but if your water has tropical fish in it, they should be eating the mosquito larvae.

You may have to do some experimenting to determine how much copper to put into the various places where you need to establish mosquito control, but it doesn’t take much. Start out with a few short pieces of copper tubing or strips of copper sheeting and come back in a few days to see if you have little wiggling larvae in your water. If so, just add a little more copper.

For controlling insects, other than mosquitoes and slugs, copper is still effective. Simply place the insect between two pieces of copper and press hard!

For more information on slugs and gardening issues, check out the Oregon State University Web site.

And, for all your copper sheeting needs, contact the staff at quickshipMetals.com

Meet Jessica Magiera - Customer Service Team Member

Meet the Team

Dec 242009

When Jessica first started working at Quick Ship Metals (QSM), her position in Customer Service/Data Entry was a bit overwhelming. “This job was very challenging at first. It was totally different than anything I had ever done before. I had to learn about so many new products and there are so many different part numbers to remember. There was something new to deal with every day,” she explained.

Jessica met the challenge with enthusiasm, perhaps because she has a work ethic that not many her age possess. Prior to coming to QSM she worked two jobs while carrying a full-time load at college with a double major in accounting and business management. After graduation next semester, she wants to continue working at QSM because, “the atmosphere here is great and my co-workers are so helpful,” she added.

You are most likely to come into contact with Jessica if you’ve got an item to return under QSM’s no hassle return policy. Should that become necessary, you can be confident that the task will be done properly. Her job is to guide customers through the return process and make sure all items on an order are detailed and refunded or exchanged properly. And most importantly, she is tasked to make sure that every customer is as pleased with the way their Quick Ship Metal’s order was handled as they are with the products they purchased.

“My greatest reward is when I hear that a customer has said I treated them with respect and solved their problems properly,” she said.

Meet Audrea, QSM Customer Service Team Member

Meet the Team, QuickShipMetals Announcements

Dec 212009

When talking to a particularly kind or helpful person on the phone, it is a natural curiosity to wonder who that person is, and how they maintain such a cheerful demeanor. Audrea is a person that generates that curiosity in many people she deals with each day.

A native Tennessean, Audrea comes by her curiosity about metal and familiarity with metal projects somewhat naturally, due to her husband’s hobbies and handiwork. When it comes to questions about diamond plate and automotive applications, Audrea can draw upon her experience watching her husband fabricate pieces out of diamond plate for different off road vehicles as well as show cars.

“I like helping people and seeing how they use the metals they order. We deal with a lot of different customer needs, from jewelry and art work to people who are rebuilding automobiles. I’ve always liked talking to people, helping out with whatever problem they have. Sometimes I don’t know the answer to their problem, so I check with others on our customer service team. If they don’t know the answer, I’ll go online and search the Internet until I find an answer. People are sometimes surprised that I go to those lengths, but it’s my job to help people solve the challenges they face working with metal,” she explained.

A QSM Gift Certificate - Rob Kohl's Gift Was Perfect!

Metal Art, Problem Solved, Simple Solutions

Dec 182009

Metal artist Rob Kohl’s parents know when it’s time for holiday gift giving, there’s nothing that will be appreciate more than raw materials for their son’s beautiful creations.

That’s why they just ordered a gift certificate for Rob to purchase the copper he needs to continue his creative efforts. By now, it has arrived at his studio, and he’s probably online picking out metal his next project.

Gift certificates always fit, the first time! And, when they enable you to do the things you love, that makes it a perfect gift.

I recently featured some of Rob’s work on this blog, and if you missed it, please take time to read: Rob Kohl Creates Magic With Metal.

If you need to purchase a gift for someone who uses metal, let the friendly folks at QuickShipMetals.com shorten your shopping list.

Tinning Coppers & Sheets

Fun Projects, Simple Solutions

Dec 172009

This video produced by the Copper Development Association describes how to tin copper and the sheet you’d like to solder. It covers cleaning, marking, flux and solder. You will also learn how to create a lap seam, and discusses cleanup as well as inspecting to ensure the job is done properly.

Magnetic Message Board - Easy, Attractive, and Very Handy

Fun Projects

Dec 172009

This beautiful magnetic message board is fun and easy to create.

Lori, a loyal QuickShipMetals.com customer, and dedicated crafter, sent this clever idea for an easy project that’s lots of fun to create. This project was born out of the need to create a birthday present for a friend, and while she was at it, she made a second one to keep for herself.

This do-it-yourself craft project is excellent for keeping track of grocery or to-do lists, notes to family members and also a handy place for favorite photos. It’s also a great project for a kid’s room, and one that even the smaller tykes can help with.

Lori explains the process she used to create these magnetic message boards.

“I measured my frames, and then I ordered some magnetic sheet metal from Quick Ship Metals. They were very helpful and they had very fast shipping. I did try to get (a local store) to cut some for me….they told me no. Oh well. I guess they weren’t really on my Christmas card list anyway.” Lori's magnetic message board

“Then I took some beautiful scrapbook paper from my stash and rounded up the Mod Podge and some ribbon. I spray painted some clothes pins too.”

“I took the Mod Podge and attached the scrapbook paper to the metal and let it dry. Then I put some ribbon over the seams. Watch this very closely as it dries. The ribbon on mine slid a little before it was dry all the way and will now drive me crazy for eternity. I glued the paper covered metal into the frame. Then I Mod Podged some strips of paper to the top of the clothes pins and glued (with Liquid Nails) a strip of magnet to the back of the clothes pin.”

As a side note, she added that if she were to make another one she would find some super strong magnets, due to the thickness of the covering over the metal.

We’d have to agree, Lori. Beautiful work, and thanks for sharing this project with us.

If you want to try your hand at making one of your own, or if you need a gift for a craft person, call the QSM customer service staff at 1-888-334-2177. Gift certificates are an easy solution for holiday gifts.

Mod Podge is readily available at most craft stores.

Making Copper Sheet Fence Post Caps

Copper Curiosities, Problem Solved, Simple Solutions

Dec 162009

By Chris Granger

Imagine this: You’re about to build yourself a nice fence that’s about twenty-five posts long and you decide to both decorate and protect it from natural rotting with some copper post caps. However, when you go to the store, you realize that at five bucks a cap, this project suddenly skyrockets in expense! Why not save yourself some money and create these easy-to-make copper sheet caps on your own? Copper cap

To start, you’ll need a scrap piece of 4 x 4 fence post (or 6 x 6) about three feet long, a circular saw to create the form on the top of the scrap post, a wooden mallet (preferably hardwood with a 3 inch diameter) to hammer the copper sheet around the form, the copper sheet itself and a pair of metal cutters. The recommended copper sheet is a soft temper, .021 inch thick copper sheet (also known as 24-gauge or 16-oz. copper sheet).

First, you will want to figure out what shape you want the post cap to be.
A basic triangular tip is a good choice. So, using the circular saw, cut the form (your piece of scrap post) to the desired shape.

Second, you might have to experiment, but cut the copper to the correct size for your particular post cap design. I might recommend using some scrap metal to experiment instead of valuable copper sheet. But it’s your choice.

Once you have your cutout, you can anneal the copper sheet to make it more pliable. However, the annealing is completely optional and not entirely necessary due to the copper sheet already being quite soft. Nevertheless, annealing is simply heating the copper sheet for an extended period of time, usually until it is glowing, and then allowing it to cool slowly. This heating can be performed with a common blowtorch.

Next, no matter if you choose to anneal or not, use the mallet to bend the copper around the form. A good technique for working the copper sheet is to pound the mallet in the way you want the metal to bend. This will work best if you can draw the mallet directly towards yourself while hammering.

Finally, to add a nice shine to the copper sheet cap, apply some sealant to keep the it bright and corrosion free.

And…Viola! You now have a beautiful copper sheet post cap! On a final note, be sure to wear eye protection and all the necessary safety equipment while operating any potentially dangerous tools. Hope you enjoy your new post caps!

If you would like more information on copper sheet with soft temper, select this link copper sheet for a fence post cap.

Stainless Steel Buyer’s Guide

Customer Buying Tips, Stainless Steel

Dec 092009

By Frank Ross

As an online supplier of stainless steel, Quick Ship Metals knows that selecting the right grade or finish is important, but the task isn’t that difficult once you understand some basic variables. The first thing you need to understand is that stainless steel gets its name because it stains less. It is not stain proof. However, for most applications in the home this is merely a technicality of terms, but I don’t want to mislead you.

Because of the fact that stainless steel is an alloy whose properties are consistent through and through, the stain resistance is not limited to the surface. Even if the material is damaged, stainless steel has intrinsic self-healing capabilities that ensure the surface does not discolor or corrode. This unique property is called passivity, and is the reason stainless steel doesn’t need to be coated or have any other form of surface protection to maintain its bright and shiny appearance.

Stainless steel sheet metal in its many forms, alloys and grades is an excellent choice for applications where you need a durable surface that resists rusting, staining and the corrosive effects of from many, if not most chemicals. The following information will help you determine which grade and surface treatment will provide the optimal combination of performance characteristics for your particular needs.

Grades
Suppliers offer several different grades of stainless steel sheeting. Most grades are designed to perform best in the environment where the metal will be used during its lifetime. Without going into an involved discussion of metallurgy, the key issue for stain resistance is the amount of carbon and chromium used in the alloy. In the finished alloy, chromium forms a passive film of chromium oxide, which prevents surface corrosion and blocks corrosion from spreading into the metal’s internal structure. Stainless steel contains a maximum of 0.15% carbon, a minimum of 16% chromium and varying amounts of nickel and/or manganese depending on the hardness, flexibility and stain resistance desired.

The most common type of stainless is Austenitic. In fact, around 70% of all stainless steel made is Austenitic. This type is commonly referred to as the 300 series. This series is the most corrosion resistant, ductile (ability to change shape without fracture), and weld-able of all the stainless steel alloys. Types 304 and 316 are mainly used for heavy-duty work, including the chemical industry, food processing equipment, counter tops and backsplash applications. The main difference between these two popular types is that the 316-grade contains molybdenum to increase resistance to various forms of deterioration. 316 is also known as marine-grade stainless steel because it excels in this harsh environment.

Stainless steel comes in a wide variety of surface finishes. Some are intended for simplicity of service, while others are strictly decorative.

Brushed Stainless Sheet
Quick Ship’s brushed, 304 stainless steel sheet metal contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It has a durable, corrosion resistant, brushed finish that can be used in many popular applications. Some common applications for 304 include chemical processing equipment, items for food, dairy, and beverage industries, for heat exchangers, and for the milder chemicals.

Decorative Stainless Sheet Metals
The Random Swirl pattern is another popular treatment, similar to brushed, but more random in nature. It is used in very exquisite kitchens for a backsplash behind the sink and stove. It does not show marking and is easy to keep clean.

Bright Quilt stainless steel can give any kitchen or bathroom application an appearance that turns heads, for all the right reasons. It offers great strength in applications expected to have moderate impact. This pattern is very effective in applications where you want to break up a vertical or horizontal focus.

Bright Checkerboard stainless steel is a very popular architectural stainless steel. It is especially popular for applications such as commercial wall coverings or any area that experiences high traffic volumes such as corridors or public facilities.

Bright Ocean stainless steel is typically used in decorative applications, including bar tops, storefronts, and light fixtures; however, there are many more possible applications. The subtle, irregular pattern compliments many design elements and is perfect for an area where some texture is desirable.

Bright Hammered stainless steel is another pattern with tremendous potential for any project where you’re looking for a distinctive décor. Consider this steel for bar tops, cabinet surrounds or an accent treatment on an exterior wall.

Satin Quilt stainless steel can give any kitchen or bathroom architectural appeal, as the satin design is preferred in applications to break vertical or horizontal focus. The pattern offers great strength and impact resistance, while maintaining an attractive industrial finish.

Connecticut Style Hammered stainless sheet is one of the more popular styles of hammered stainless sheeting. This hammered stainless sheet is commonly used in decorative applications, including light fixtures, sinks, and several other ways.

Bright Tree Bark is an ideal surface treatment if you’re looking for a very distinctive stainless steel to provide architectural texture. Tree Bark can give any kitchen or bathroom a strong visual presence. It also offers great strength in applications that will have high impact or heavy use. This pattern is often used to break the vertical or horizontal focuses while maintaining an industrial grade finish that is impervious to wear.

430 Magnetic Stainless Steel – Yes, this is the same stainless steel sheet that your appliances are made of. It not only has the corrosion resistance factor, but it is also “Magnetic”. Hang it as a kitchen backsplash or a note board in the laundry room and then hang magnetic note holders all over it. The possibilities with this product are endless.

Mirror Finish
If you need a mirror for an area that is subject to abuse, consider the advantage of a mirror finish on #8 Mirror Finish Stainless Steel that will not break and scatter shards of glass. What it will do is provide an excellent mirror for many years to come.

Stainless Steel Trim Molding
No job will look first class without being properly trimmed or finished on the edges. The use of stainless steel trim molding makes a huge difference in both the look and ease of use by eliminating unsightly edges. Quick Ship Metals offers trim molding pieces in several bends such as inside corner molding, outside stainless steel corner molding, and divide molding. In addition to adding an impressive professional look, these trim moldings make your job of installing the stainless steel sheet much easier.

Quick Ship can also hem stainless steel. Hemming is a term used for a bend that accommodates the edge of tile, or provides a smooth finish for hanging stainless on drywall or other smooth surfaces. The tile hem creates a clean break and a smooth edge for an attractive, professional-looking transition from wall tile to your oven’s backsplash.

Cutting Stainless Steel
You’ll find the thinner sheets of stainless steel fairly easy to cut and bend. A standard jigsaw or circular saw with a metal blade will cut 24 or 22 gauge stainless. More challenging cuts can be made using a RotoZip saw, but when you start getting into the thicker sheets the best option is to have it custom cut when you place your order.

Bending
Bending 24 gauge stainless steel sheeting can be done with a 2×4 that has a well-defined edge, but for 20 gauge and thicker sheets you’ll have to use a handbrake to be sure of getting a good looking edge. And again, you can order any custom bend, edge or hem and then all you’ll have to do is install the metal.

Thickness
As a major sheet metals supplier, Quick Ship offers an easy way to understand thickness and flexibility by relating to objects that you have in your pocket or purse. The thickness of metal sheeting is listed in decimals. Metal sheeting with the thickness of .010, compared to our American system of fractions, would measure to less than 1/64 inch.

Now, let’s go one step further and give you a comparison of the flexibility of the metal that you can relate to an item in your everyday life. If you may have a Blockbuster membership card or a Bonus rewards card, copper sheeting with a .010 thickness will have the same flexibility as either of these cards.

Keep in mind that these two cards are thinner than a standard credit card, which is less flexible. A standard credit card measures .028. This compares closely to .0216 copper foil, which is slightly stiffer. Some other measurements that are convenient comparisons to everyday items are listed below.

Penny .050
Dime .062
Nickel .070
Quarter .067
Half Dollar .085

When appropriate, some stainless steel sheet metal supplied by Quick Ship Metals is shipped with a protective, peel off PVC film on one surface, in order to prevent scratches during shipping. This PVC film helps ensure a scratch-free stainless steel sheet on arrival, and should be left in place until the installation is complete.

If you are in need of a custom size or have any questions about the stainless steel sheet metal sold online at Quick Ship Metals, please call us at 1-888-334-2177 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm EST). Custom sizes of our stainless steel sheet metal can typically be shipped the next business day.

Once your stainless project is complete, please refer to my post on the care and cleaning of stainless. Proper care will ensure a lifetime of beauty and continued compliments on your work!

The Ultimate Man Cave Must Have Metal

Man Caves

Dec 082009

Quick Ship Metals is a proud supplier of copper sheet, foils and other metal products to enhance the looks and durability of Man Caves.

By Frank Ross

Pictured on the set, (LtoR), are series designer Hilary Reuben, Quick Ship Metal's Online Sales Manager Charlene Miller, licensed contractor Jason Cameron and series designer Becka Citron.

Pictured on the show's set (L to R) are series designer Hilary Reuben, Quick Ship Metal's Online Sales Manager Charlene Miller, licensed contractor Jason Cameron and series designer Becka Citron.

Every man needs a place where he can refill his cup of machismo! For some, this can be a place of solitude, for others a rock and roll epicenter of sound and light. Regardless of the décor or appointments, be they simple or grandiose, these masculine sanctuaries of sanity are known simply as Man Caves.

In recognition of the importance of man caves in the life of every red blooded American male, the DIY Network’s created a show with the ultimate goal of fueling the fantasy of its viewers and fulfilling the dreams of one lucky guy each week. The show’s producers recruited licensed contractor Jason Cameron and former NFL great Tony “The Goose” Siragusa to offer amazing ideas for the ultimate Man Caves.

Man Caves’ designers take ideas submitted by viewers and create amazing rooms centered around each individuals passion, be it sports, wine or fire engines. To meet the technical requirements of each individually designed room, manufacturers and vendors of top quality products are called upon to provide their expertise when an unusual or specialty installation is required.

Quick Ship Metal has provided metal and their staff’s extensive experience in metal installation for three shows that will be aired in the coming weeks. QSM’s Online Sales Manager, Charlene Miller, was on hand to assist in the construction of a Man Cave with a firehouse theme for one of New Jersey’s finest. This episode will air in approximately two weeks, so as they say in the biz – check your local listings for Man Caves on the DIY channel. Other episodes to air in the coming weeks include caves with gangster and Montana themes.

For more information on DIY Man Caves, go to DIY Network/Man Caves.

If you see some metal decor that you’d like to use, log onto quickshipMetals.com and click the link to “Live Text and Chat Support” for a fast answer.

Older Entries

Quick Ship Metals News-Blog

The Ever Changing Copper Penny

Copper is a safe alternate for controlling some insects

Meet Jessica Magiera - Customer Service Team Member

Meet Audrea, QSM Customer Service Team Member

A QSM Gift Certificate - Rob Kohl's Gift Was Perfect!

Tinning Coppers & Sheets

Magnetic Message Board - Easy, Attractive, and Very Handy

Making Copper Sheet Fence Post Caps

Stainless Steel Buyer’s Guide

The Ultimate Man Cave Must Have Metal

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