Looking for couple replacement copper pots

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hi Gang, I’ve searched high and low and have been unable to locate an
item in catalogs or online. A non-industry alternative would be great.

I have one of those dop wax heaters that’s been around forever, and
is still available today. I’d like to find a couple replacement copper
pots for it, for melting different types of wax. It’s a real simple
little copper pot about 3" in diameter and 2" deep pressed out of
copper sheet. I’d hate to have to spend a day forming them myself from
sheet… there’s got to be some other source for a different industry.

Tried Harbor Freight and Lee Valley Tools, a local leather shop (on a
whim). Any ideas? I have found the whole unit, but not replacement
pots.

Thanks for any hints!

Dave
Dave Sebaste
Sebaste Studio and
Carolina Artisans’ Gallery
Charlotte, NC (USA)
dave@sebaste.com
http://www.CarolinaArtisans.com

2

Dave, The pots are available from lapidary suppliers. Louis Irons
carries them at Iron’s Lapidary. Give him a call at 602-242-8393.
He has a website at ironslapidary@angelfire.com.

Gerry Galarneau

3

Dave - I wonder if those copper measuring cups (for food) would
work… Obviously you’d have to remove the handle but they have a lip
to catch on the top of the heater.

Cheers -
Debby Hoffmaster

4

Hi, Dave- Sounds like you may have a “Rock Rascal” dop pot. Johnson
Brothers FC, Inc carries them, and also carries replacement copper
pots for them. Check out their website at

http://www.jbfc.com/lapidary1.htm

Lee Einer

5

Hi Dave; That sounds like it would be a real cinch to make those using
the BonnieDoon Hydraulic press. Perhaps someone out there with such
a machine would be interested in pressing out a few if you made them
a die out of liquid steel.

David L. Huffman

6

Hi Dave, Although I can’t say I have ever seen what it is you are
looking for I might still be able to help.

I order some of my copper from American Metalcraft. (708) 345-1177 in
Melrose Park IL. They have no web site. Ask for Donald in the craft
area for a catalog.

It seems like their cigarette cups (sans lid) or hi-ball tumbler might
do the trick.

Karen

7 
 . . .  I'd like to find a couple replacement copper pots for it,
for melting different types of wax. . . .  Any ideas? I have found
the whole unit, but not replacement pots.

Hi Dave. I have the Rock Rascal dop pot, too. If you haven’t been
able to get spare copper pots from a rockhound shop, you could pick up
a couple of very small enameled pots which would sit down in the
opening. Before I bought my dop pot, I heated my wax on an electric
stove in a tiny, enameled pan (with handle) that probably was intended
for melting butter. This was before home microwave ovens. You could
try cooking departments, kitchen stores, and Pier One type places. 20
years ago mine was maybe $1 - $2.

HTH
Pam Chott
www.songofthephoenix.com

8

Thompson Enamel has several sizes of copper bowls. They are meant to
be enameled, but should work fine for dop wax. They list a # DB-23
3-3/4" x 1-1/2" for $2.90 it has an available lid #FC-22 3-7/8"
cover for $2.10 Hhey have other sizes also.

Here is their phone # 606-291-3800 P.O. Box 310 Newport, Kentucky 41072

I hope this helps

Tim
TAH Handcrafted Jewelry
web-site: http://www.home.earthlink.net/~tahhandcraft
e-mail: @Timothy_A_Hansen

9

Hi Dave, For things like that there’s likely no alternative but to get
out the raising hammers. However, you might be lucky at a major
plumbing supply shop. See if they have pressed caps for large diameter
pipes. You could also saw off an appropriate length of 3" diameter
copper pipe and hard solder a brass or copper plate onto the bottom of
it. If there’s a scrap yard in your vicinity try rummaging through the
brass and copper bins, never know what you’ll turn up.

Cheers & good luck Hans Durstling

Moncton, Canada

10 
David Huffman wrote: That sounds like it would be a real cinch to
make those using the BonnieDoon Hydraulic press.

I was thinking exactly that myself! Saw Phil Poirier demonstrate the
Bonny Doon deep draw press at the SNAG conference. Truly a wondrous
and amazing thing to see. If I had one of those things and I’d be able
to knock 'em out all day! Only need a couple though… can’t justify
the equipment purchase (DRAT!). BTW, the deep draw press is
significantly larger than the 20 ton press… although one might be
able to pull this job off with the smaller unit.

On the other hand maybe coughing up $10-15 each for the real
component isn’t so bad in comparison. I couple sources have been
identified (thanks… you know who you are!). Still going to check on
a couple great tips about using out-of-industry products before giving
in.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Dave
Dave Sebaste
Sebaste Studio and
Carolina Artisans’ Gallery
Charlotte, NC (USA)
dave@sebaste.com mailto:dave@sebaste.com
http://www.CarolinaArtisans.com

11

Hey Tim, Check out that info I gave earlier on American Metalcraft on
this same topic. They are the supplier for Thompson Enamels copper
products. Bigger selection, depending on your order you may (or may
not) get a better price.

Karen