Anyone melt down copper pipes?

[M1NM]

A NEW penny is not made of copper. It's made of Zinc 97%.

Fixed it. Old ones were 100% pure copper - until the metal value exceeded the face value.

[Dirtlaw]

A penny is not made of copper. It's made of Zinc 97%.

In 1864, after the Civil War, the design changed again with a 95% copper 5% zinc make-up. Finally, in 1982, the coin would evolve into its modern form of only 5% copper and 95% zinc. The modern penny has the least amount of copper with a small 2.5% copper plating and a 97.5% zinc base.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penny_(United_States_coin)


So, pre-1982 pennies are worth more than later pennies.

[MajorSideburns]

Copper takes a lot of energy to melt down. It's more of an industrial process. I don't think many people make their own copper jackets.

[brass]

Sigh. Just about had a heart attack reading the OP and agree with most everyone else's comments. Copper being replaced with plastic/polymer compounds of any kind is right in there with metal frame windows being passed over in favor of 'vinyl frame'. All plastic compounds, whatever you want to use them for, will eventually degrade with chlorine, ozone, and/or various wavelengths of light. In many CA counties, PEX is prohibited for use in new construction and remodels because insurance companies lobbied to reduce their exposure to ongoing claims. Forget about alleged exposure to lead in tap water via soldered joints. Not really a thing, chemistry-wise in daily activities. Stick with copper. Ionic reactions in alkali (concrete) embedded pipes have well documented solutions and corrosion prevention methods. In SoCal, thousands of homes built in the 70s and 80s have to get the walls torn apart every year due to PEX and PCV leaks in walls. If you're going to build or remodel, go copper, go with a raised foundation. (And ummm yes, a 'Junior Member' per mods even with over a decade of membership -- Join Date: 04-24-2009 -- and 80 good iTrader ratings. Junior indeed )

[Dgr1dman]

. .... a 'Junior Member' per mods even with over a decade of membership ....

When a man of few words actually speaks, it’s worth listening to what he says!

DGR

[easyrider123]

In SoCal, thousands of homes built in the 70s and 80s have to get the walls torn apart every year due to PEX and PCV leaks in walls.

How ironic...
The 50 year old copper in our home has caused quite a bit of damage.
If the PEX we just installed lasts 50 years, I'll be dead by then, and have saved quite a bit of cash on the replacement.

[five.five-six]

Copper takes a lot of energy to melt down. It's more of an industrial process. I don't think many people make their own copper jackets.

I did read about making .223 jackets but swadging spent .22lr casings.