When I make copper sculptures I wire brush the end product to clean it up. I am now making some miniature copper sculptures and it is hard to get into the tight spots with a wire brush to clean the residue left from brazing. Is there a way that I can dip them into a liquid solution to get the brazing residue cleaned up and then wire brush the rest to clean it up? Would there be a simple solution of something like pool chemicals or house hold cleaners? I am not interested in getting into acids.

This is a link to a dvd on youtube about my Metal Art Sculptures. It is in french, I live in France, but I believe images tell more than words.

For me, the great joy in my work comes from turning something considered worthless into the artwork it becomes. In this way I am showing my respect for the metal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzYXBcRHoIo

Went to a large craft store this weekend... I was in Germany for the past three years and didn't have access to such places. I was surprised and a bit overwhelmed by the isles and isles of metal wall art, topiaries and such. For some reason, I found it a bit depressing... The stuff was being sold cheaper than what it would cost me in materials... I'm not looking to get rich by any means... but, how do you compete with mass market made in China-especially in this economy? Or, perhaps you don't try to...

I'm about to start a project building a propane metal forge. This is the latest in a flurry of activity brought on by tragedy. I recently lost a very good friend at work when he unexpectedly passed away. This left a coveted opening on day shift that I was able to move to. This change in working hours has had an unexpected effect on me after working night shift for 14 years: I have energy again. My wife just thinks I've gone crazy. Maybe it's because I build a spud gun last week, I dunno.