TheMetalPeddler

Enter to win $100 Voucher from The Metal Peddler!

2010-04-09T10:17:00.002-04:00

Enter to win $100 Voucher from The Metal Peddler

We are giving away $100 coupon code for use with any product for sale on our website! Use it to buy a pot rack, house address numbers, a new backsplash or towards a copper top for your bathroom vanity! The only conditions are that you use the code by the end of August 2010.

How to enter

We recently set up a new Facebook page for The Metal Peddler

1. Earn one entry by becoming a Fan of our page on Facebook
2. Earn one additional entry by posting your own photos of the product you bought from us! It could be numbers on the side of your house, your copper fence caps in the yard, or your beautiful range hood in the kitchen.

At the end of April, one name will be selected at random and will be declared the winner.

And be entered into a $100 Gift Coupon draw!

Charity support: Pennsylvania Wildlife Rescue & Rehab

2009-07-07T11:07:00.002-04:00

We are committed to supporting a local animal sanctuary, Skye’s Spirit Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, located in Western Pennsylvania. If you would like to help Skye's Spirit Wildlife Rehab Center, visit their website to learn more

Copper & Brass bookshelf & pot rack

2009-01-23T14:29:00.003-05:00

Stunning new design!

This solid copper pot rack is combined with solid brass cross braces to create a combination wall mounted pot rack and bookshelf!

This has so many uses - from hanging pots and utensils from the side copper bars or brass base braces, to storing lids, spices & even books!
Sizes start at 18" x 10" up to 50" x 10"

Metal Art Silhouettes

2008-05-23T18:05:00.003-04:00

Visit our new website ArtisanMetalShop.com for our new campfire rings, metal key racks, Western theme decor and dog collectibles

Custom Copper Backsplash

2008-02-11T16:13:00.000-05:00

A copper backsplash is fast becoming an extremely popular design element in the kitchen! A copper backsplash adds a luxurious look to a kitchen, but is versatile enough that it can fit into a modern, contemporary kitchen or an olde worlde rustic style.

Options

The copper backsplash has many options when it comes to finish, color and texture. Hammered, swirled, brushed, shiny or with a patina - there are numerous ways to make your walls stand out!

A light colored copper backsplash, hand rubbed & brushed for example, can look great in a contemporary setting. Shown below, a swirl effect gives an almost industrial look without adding yet another element of stainless steel to the kitchen.

A colored or patinated copper backsplash opens up a variety of colors and patterns. The photo top left shows our signature patina, Pompeii. The color can be also sealed to protect it against stains and discoloration.

Sealed or unsealed?

Perhaps most people are familiar with unsealed copper, which will discolor or tarnish naturally. Depending on the environment, it may turn "Penny Brown" or even have different colors throughout. Many people find that to be a very charming property, but if it's not for you it can be sealed with a lacquer or wax.

Skye's Spirit & The Metal Peddler release barred owls

2007-11-02T16:01:00.000-04:00

Before the Pennsylvania fall weather turns wintery, two beautiful young Barred Owls were released on the grounds of The Metal Peddler after 4 months rehabilitation at Skye's Spirit Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. After a brief flight over the pond, the owls settled in the woods where we hope they will nest safely.

The Metal Peddler supports Skye's Spirit Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, through direct donations & through the sale of our copper barn stars. 10% of every copper star sold is donated to Skye's Spirit.

Skye's Spirit Wildlife is dedicated to providing care, rehabilitation & release of injured & orphaned wildlife is Pennsylvania. They always welcome donations so visit their website & see if you can help!

Photo above: Robert Angelo from SSWRC

Holiday Gift Cards for copper decor!

2007-10-26T12:53:00.000-04:00

Holiday Giving!

Gift vouchers can make wonderful presents for weddings, house warming, birthdays, retirement and holidays!

Let your friends, family members or work colleagues choose from our selection of kitchen pot racks, copper mailboxes, backsplash tiles or garden accessories - or maybe even buy them a certificate to put towards that range hood or other custom copper design they've been longing for?

+ Shop for a Gift Card

+ View Copper Product Index

Wildlife Sponsorship

2007-10-17T11:55:00.001-04:00

The Metal Peddler supports Skye's Spirit Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, through direct donations & through the sale of our copper barn stars. 10% of every copper star sold is donated to Skye's Spirit.

Skye's Spirit Wildlife is dedicated to providing care, rehabilitation & release of injured & orphaned wildlife is SW Pennsylvania. They always welcome donations so visit their website & see if you can help!

Care and maintenance of a lacquered patina

2007-09-24T12:48:00.000-04:00

Care and maintenance of a lacquered patina

Although most of our products are sold as raw copper some have an applied patina with a high grade polyurethane clear cloat. This clear coat lacquer protects your piece from tarnishing further and from damaging the patina.
Care & maintenance is very simple and easy with this finish. Some simple dos and don'ts will protect it for many many years.

*Do dust lightly with a soft cloth only. Do not apply furniture polish!

*Do use warm soapy water on a soft cloth to remove food splashes and fingerprints. A mild detergent, such as Dawn, will be sufficient. Buff with a clean & dry soft cloth.

*Do not use abrasive scourers or sponges.

*Do not use kitchen or bathroom cleaning products, such as Mean Green, Mr Muscle etc. These will damage the surface. Avoid acidic or ammonia based cleaners - commercial or home made - that might "eat through" the protection and ruin your beautiful patina.

Examples of our products with the protective clear lacquer:

- Range Hoods
- Some copper counter tops and backsplashes
- Copper tiles
- Some copper mailboxes
- Copper switch plates and covers
- Copper numbers and letters

See previous newsletter for tips on cleaning your raw/ non-lacquered copper pieces.

Copper Stars & Barn Stars

2007-08-29T11:16:00.000-04:00

The latest pieces being made in our Pennsylvania copper workshop are these beautiful solid copper barn stars. Made from heavy duty solid copper, they are fully welded to last for centuries!
Available in 12" to 48" sizes, you can also choose natural hand rubbed - to patina naturally over time - or hand rubbed & lacquered to maintain the "like new" finish.

Prices start at $125 plus shipping.

NEW! Full 6x6 Copper Fence Post Caps

2007-08-16T13:20:00.000-04:00

The most recent addition to our line of copper pyramid fence post caps is a new size for a full 6x6 fence cap, usually an unfinished cedar post.
Measuring 6 1/8" inches square, this new size is a snug fit on 6x6 posts. As with all our fence post caps, this is made of solid copper with a 3/4" lip and pre-drilled mounting holes and is supplied with beautiful solid copper rosehead nails.

For more information, visit our copper fence post caps page.

Copper Letters and Wall Lettering

2007-07-26T09:25:00.001-04:00

So many options for these beautiful hand hammered solid copper letters! Use them for address plaques, monograms on your mailbox, wall lettering in your kitchen decor.... all created in an old style arts & crafts design.

Made of 16 gauge solid copper, each letter is hand hammered and hand cut, then finished with a rich antique copper patina and protective clear coat. Each letter is supplied with real copper rosehead nails.

Available 4" and 6" tall

New showroom display

2007-07-25T12:55:00.000-04:00

We are pleased to announce that we are now displaying at Don's Appliances kitchen showroom in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at 5958 Baum Blvd.

Range Hoods – How to choose an exhaust system

2007-07-12T14:23:00.000-04:00

Purchasing a range hood can be a costly and confusing business. Not only do you have so many designs to choose from, but what power of fan do you need? What kind of filters? What’s the difference between the metals used, or whether it’s a commercial unit or custom made?

Fan/ blower

Power: CFM

Blowers are rated by CFM – that is, how much air they move, and the requirement is based on the stove top you have. The more heat produced the bigger the blower you need. Check with the manufacturer of your stove for their recommendations as well as your local code requirements. A general guide is: for every 10,000 BTUs your cooktop produces, you need 100 CFM. For example, a cooktop producing 90,000 BTUs would need a 900 CFM unit.

You should purchase an adequate size, but don’t go overboard. If you choose a fan much larger than you need, you could end up ventilating your whole house!

Internal or external fan

An internal unit is positioned inside the range hood and pushes the air outside through the duct. An external unit sits outside of the house, on an exterior wall or roof and draws the air out. These are useful for larger fans where noise can become an issue. Note: often external units will require 10” duct and so you must also check if that is a feasible option with the structure of your home.

Safety features

Consider purchasing a unit with built in heat sensors. These will turn the fan on should excessive heat be detected and draw the heat out of the kitchen. Make sure you also chose a unit that is UL listed and HVI certified.

Filters

Different companies have different options – from regular mesh filters, baffle filters and stainless steel trays that trap grease. Modern units have filters that are dishwasher safe. Baffle filters give a professional restaurant style look but can be more expensive. What you chose is usually a personal preference on style rather than function.

Above: Standard mesh filters by Broan

Metals & construction

By far the most common metal used to range hoods is stainless steel. Increasingly popular are range hoods painted to match your appliances, zinc metal and especially copper, a more expensive metal but highly sought after by homeowners who want something different and more dramatic in their homes.

Custom copper combined with
stainless trim

Custom painted
to match appliances

Copper also comes in different thicknesses, often measured in gauge or weight. The lower the gauge number, the heavier and thicker the copper. Roofers, for example, commonly use 16oz or 20oz copper (technically called “soft copper”). For our range hoods, we only ever use 48oz copper – much heavier duty & creating a much stronger hood that is far less likely to dent or ding with every day use as well as being less susceptible to surrounding heat.

With heavy duty copper comes a heavy range hood and so requires a sturdy internal structure and welded seams. Welding copper is a highly skilled and labor intensive job, far more so than welding harder metals such as steel. It provides a completely seamless and much stronger range hood. Although thicker copper is much harder to work with, the final result is most definitely worth it in looks, quality & durability! Your hood should be built to last decades.

Commercial or custom made

Commercial hoods may vary from $30 to thousands of dollars and as with most things, what you pay is usually what you get. Low CFM fans and cheaper construction accompany the lower priced units. If you need a big fan for a big range or want a specialty item, be prepared for a higher sticker price.

Clients choose custom & bespoke pieces for a variety of reasons: special requirements, made in USA, handmade versus machine made, or simply because they want to go back to traditional craftsmanship & embrace true quality craftsmanship at its finest. And for us, custom made is more personal - it's made for you.

Clearance Sale on Copper Backsplash Tiles

2007-05-04T12:45:00.000-04:00

Don't miss our 50% off clearance sale on selected copper backsplash tiles! Only on sale while our limited stock lasts!

Real copper tiles make great backsplashes but can also be used as accent pieces. Inset random tiles within your ceramic backsplash or frame a selection for a unique look!

Don't see the tile you like? Visit our copper tiles index to see all available!

New Copper Designs for 2007!

2007-02-02T09:48:00.000-05:00

A belated Happy New Year to all of our customers!

We are very excited about 2007 & the new products we are bring to you & plan to bring this year. In 2006, we moved premises to a new larger workshop, giving us much more potential for new designs & expansion.

To start off 2007, we have added to our exisiting lines & created whole new ones.

New Lines of Copper Products

Copper light switch plates & covers

We have created a variety of copper switch plates & outlet covers, available in smooth copper & hand hammered. Currently we offer a variety from single to triple switch plates, combination outlet & toggle covers as well as rocker switch plates.

Copper House Numbers

Inspired by the great coppersmiths & Master Craftsman of the late 19th Century & early 20th Century, our hand-cut & hand hammered copper house numbers are made in an Arts & Crafts font.

Each copper number is approx 4" tall & finished with a medium dark patina to look aged & beautiful.

Perfect for an arts & crafts bungalow or to stand out from the neighbors!

Copper Mailboxes

Our copper mailboxes is a brand new line that we hope to expand this year. Currently we offer 3 designs of handcrafted solid copper mailboxes. The design shown is our Art Nouveau inspired mailbox.

Each mailbox is finished with a patina - pictured left is our dark Rome patina, but it is also offered in 2 lighter colors. The patina is protected with a high grade protective clear coat.

Each mailbox is available with or without the hanging brackets which can hold the newspaper or outgoing mail.

Keeping Prices Low

2006-09-18T14:19:00.000-04:00

Last week, I wrote an article about the price of copper. Given the big increases in the cost of copper over the past year, we have done our best to keep the prices of our copper products as low as possible.

How do we do this?

It's important to note that we do not compromise the quality of the copper we use. We use the same grades of copper today as we did before the prices rose so dramatically. Instead, we have been striving to keep costs low in other ways.

Internet only. All of our business is conducted over the internet only. This means we do not have the costs of a showroom, parking lot, sales staff, company brochures or mail order catalogues. We work at maintaining a good presence in internet search engines by managining our website content rather than paying for expensive advertising & much of our business comes word-of-mouth from happy customers recommending us to their friends and family.

No frills packaging. While it's very nice to receive a product in fancy packaging and boxes, we realize that you're not buying a beautiful pot rack or fence post cap for the box it comes in! As some of our items are an unusual shape, having boxes made & printed for these items would drive up costs, so instead we use simple packing & boxes that get the items to you safely.

Paperless invoicing. As much as possible, we conduct business by phone or by email. All customers that provide an email address should receive a detailed receipt by email within just a few minutes. This serves as your invoice, reciept and packing information. If you need a paper record, it can printed off from the email. Should there be any delays or you do not receive an email, we will of course be happy to send a paper copy if you let us know.

No 1-800 number. As much as we'd love to provide our customers with an 800 phone number to call us, our phone bill would increase 20-fold at least!

Relocation. Our recent relocation has enabled us to double our production space as well as office and store room space but for the same costs. This means that we can buy copper in bigger bulk & produce more products and so making it more cost effective.

Over the past year, we have had no choice but to increase some prices as copper became more expensive, but we do feel that the 7-10% increases are very low compared with the 70% increase in the overall cost of copper.

Click to read our previous article price of copper

Price of Copper

2006-09-06T10:09:00.000-04:00

Many people are becoming more aware that the price of copper is climbing, and climbing on a daily basis. Not many people are fully aware of why it is increasing or just how fast is has risen.

Applications of copper

Copper is one of the most widely used metals in the world, and has been for many many centuries. It is so versatile that its uses include telecommunications & electrical wiring, plumbing & tubing, cooking instruments, roofing & architecture as well as uses as a compound salt in other applications. Copper is traded daily all over the world as a commodity, just like gold, silver & titanium. While not reaching the prices of precious metals, copper is constantly in high demand.

Copper is a non-toxic metal, unlike lead and mercury. It is a good conductor of electricity and heat. Minute quantities are essential for human and plant health, indeed many people go as far as wearing copper bracelets and report feeling healthier. Even in the copper industry, there are no known "occupational illnesses" reported from working with copper. Add it all up, and copper is not only good to work with, but very desirable.

Demand for copper

At the same time that copper is becoming ever so popular once again as a decorative metal in the home & garden, it is also in massive demand around the world, in countries such as China as they industrialize and build new infrastructures and communications. Several years ago, China overtook USA are the world's largest consumer of copper.
Industry continues to consume copper, with 40% of US copper consumption going into that arena. But use in the home is picking up as people switch out to copper wiring, with such usage tripling in just 5 years.

Supply

As with all economics, pricing comes from supply and demand. As demand increases, how can the supply keep up? At many times, it just cannot or does not - not just because it cannot be mined & refined fast enough either. For example, Chile supplies 1/3 of the world's supply of copper, but in August of this year, the Chilean copper miners went on strike. Strikes are not uncommon nor limited to Chile or even South America. When one country or even major operation shuts down, the stocks that are available increase in price.

Pricing has therefore been rising for the past couple of years and doesn't show any signs of turning back.

Is it all doom & gloom? We hope not! Copper is as useful and desirable today as it was thousands of years ago - much more so in fact, as the world's need for copper increases and new applications are found. At The Metal Peddler, Inc we speak to customers every day who are drawn to copper, its usefulness and its beauty. We have strived to keep our prices as low as possible & we don't compromise the quality of copper that we purchase either! While we might be paying 70% more than we were a year ago, you - our customer - are not. Of course, there may come a day when we have no choice, but in the meantime we do what we can for our customers & clients, to achieve what they want at an affordable price.

Related article: Keeping Prices Low

Clearance Sale and New Patterns!

2006-08-30T11:24:00.000-04:00

New Patterns of copper backsplash tiles

This autumn we have a great line of new patterns for our copper backsplash tiles! We were also very excited to have our copper tiles featured in the September Issue of Old House Interiors Magazine!

In total, we have 23 patterns of backsplash tiles with 6 inch, 8 inch, 10 inch and 12 inch tiles available.
Some of our newer patterns include the beautiful "Nouveau"- pictured left, based on the romantic arts & craft style of the art nouveau period, "Bark" - a natural wood grain pattern, and "Rose" - a classic!

Of course, our copper tiles don't just have to be used for backsplashes. Traditionally, pressed metal tiles were used for decorative ceilings - a trend that is making a big comeback. Or you can buy one or 2 for a centerpiece or accent anywhere in your home. Some of our customers are even using them to decorate range hoods.

Prices start at $14.99 for a 6 inch tile & range up to $26.99 for a 12 inch tile.

Sale Items!

Some of our copper backsplash tiles are now on sale! 20% has been slashed off the price to reduce stocks on some of our older patterns to make room for some of our newer ones. Take advantage of this outrageously low price while you can!

Newsletters
Our seasonal newsletters always include a free discount voucher for future purchases. To sign up for newsletters , just complete the form at http://www.themetalpeddler.com/articles/newsletter-signup.html . Newsletters are sent by email so make sure your spam filter will not block emails from themetalpeddler.com.
As well as seasonal newsletters, be informed ahead of time of future sales!
We do not send out unsolicited email. You can remove your name at any time from our newsletter list.

Fence Post Caps - Size Guide

2006-08-16T12:18:00.003-04:00

What's the difference between nominal, standard, full and actual?

Fence post cap sizes can be confusing. So far this year approximately half of our customers have called asking "what's the difference between a nominal size and an actual or full size?"

In USA, a nominal size, such as a Nominal 4x4 is just a name. You may be surprised to learn that it is not actually a 4 inch square cap nor your fence post a full 4 inches square. Many lumber yards cut the posts to be a little under 4 inches, sometimes as small as 3.5 inches although we have found much variance across the country.

Example
Nominal 4x4 - Actual Size 3.5 inches
Full 4x4 - Actual Size 4 inches
Nominal 6x6 - Actual size 5.5 inches

Why the difference?

Years ago, a 4x4 did indeed measure a full 4 inches. Over time, builders & engineers realized that they could get just as much strength from a slightly smaller piece of wood. We have found, however, that lumber yards may differ even within towns & cities, let alone state to state and some nominal 4x4 posts may be 3.75 inches.

In addition, untreated lumber such as cedar posts tend to be closer to the true stated size, such as a full 4 inches or 6 inches.

How to avoid buying the wrong size fence post cap

I recommend measuring your fence posts before you buy your caps. Take a random sample of your posts and measure with a ruler or tape that shows 1/8 inch. If your post measures 3.5 inches, you want a nominal 4x4 cap.

Also, think about selecting a cap up to 1/8 inch bigger than your post. This will give you a small clearance of 1/16" around each side to slide the cap on more easily.

Relocation News!

2006-07-07T14:52:00.000-04:00

The Metal Peddler, Inc is moving! New information, such as important dates etc will be updated here. Click on the following newsletters for the information so far!

Relocation Dates

- When we will be closed and how you can get in touch.
Updated 8/15/06 - Re-opening & Ordering information!

Announcement

- Read about why we are relocating & where we are moving to.
Updated 6/1/06

Relocation Dates

2006-07-07T14:09:00.000-04:00

August 15th 2006 - we have now re-opened! Note: Please bear in mind we currently have a backlog of orders to fill and ship to our customers. If you have placed an order, we will get it out to you as soon as possible!
If you wish to place an order, caps, tiles & hooks will be sent out as soon as possible. Other items, such as pot racks may experience a delay.

Previous information....

Last month, we announced that we are relocating our business 500 miles away to Pennsylvania.
Click here to see the announcement. As with all moves, things are very busy! But we are making great progress and will be moving lock, stock & barrel at the end of July!

Dates & schedule:

July 14th, 2006 Orders placed after this date will not be processed until we re-open.
August 14th, 2006 Expected date for re-opening! Update: The anticipated date of Aug 10 has been moved back to August 14th due to some unexpected delays with our new office. We apologize for the inconvenience!

Email communication:

Email addresses will remain the same. Visit our contact page for addresses.
July 23th- August 1st: We will not be able to respond to emails during this time. Emails send just before & after these dates may experience delays while we pack & unpack the workshop.

Telephone & Physical Address:

Our new number & address will be available on our contact page as soon as we are situated & are back online.

Thank you to all of our customers who have helped our business grow! We look forward to working with you again!

P.S. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive our Grand Re-opening Discount for August!!

The Metal Peddler, Inc is relocating

2006-06-01T08:38:00.000-04:00

Summer 2006

Update now posted. Click here for details!

Over the past year, our business has been successful enough for us to outgrow our current premises. While this is great news for business, it does mean that we have had to consider moving from our current location to accomodate our customers' orders and allow us to expand even further. We will be able to increase our levels of production by employing more Craftsmen as well as increase the range of our product line.

We are very pleased to be moving our business, workshop & home up to Pennsylvania. This will be a 500 mile move. Over the next few weeks, we will be slowing down business until the shop needs to be moved. There will also be period when the shop will close down & all production will cease for short time while we pack up equipment, tools & machinery.

This will mean a couple of things for our customers.

Custom orders will be on hold until our new larger shop is re-opened. Until we relocate, in-stock items, such as standard fence post caps & backsplash tiles, will continue to be sold and shipped as usual. During the relocation, these will experience delay until we re-open.

Some items, such as pot racks, are standard items but often made to order. You may experience a small delay in shipping. Please bear with us during that time.

If you have any questions, please email or call. Visit our "Contact us" page for more information. We will announce dates of the relocation soon, as well as our new contact details.

Copper Backsplash Tiles

2006-04-01T12:56:00.000-05:00

Looking to add a little copper to your kitchen decor but don't want to spend thousands? Or how about adding a copper backsplash beneath your fabulous copper hood?

Copper backsplash tiles are a great way to add either a centerpiece wall hanging or an entire metal copper backsplash to your kitchen wall. Available in 6", 8", 10" and 12" square, we have a wide variety of patterns and color combinations to suit every taste.

Pictured left is our 6" square Fern design copper backsplash tile.
Visit Copper Backsplash Tiles to see more!

Installing copper backsplash tiles

Our 12 " copper tiles come with 2 hanging hooks on the back so they can be hung as a wall hanging if you prefer.

Alternatively, you can attach them to the wall or a backer board, such as plywood with a high quality epoxy adhesive, as you would for the smaller tiles. Use masking tape to protect the edge of the tile from scratching as you grout.
Each tile has a rolled lip of approx 1/4" so you can also align them with regular ceramic tiles of the same dimensions if you like.

Maintenance

Our copper backsplash tiles are lacquered so you have very little maintenance to do. The special patina finish will be protected against air and water to prevent any discoloration.
We recommend cleaning gently with a soft damp cloth. You may use a mild detergent but be careful not to scrub hard. Do not use harsh abrasives, scourers or acidic cleaning products.

Rain Chains FAQ

2006-03-03T12:01:00.000-05:00

What is a rain chain?

Rain chains have been around for centuries in Japanese gardens. They are an attractive alternative to a downspout, which gently allows rainwater to fall from your roof gutter down a copper chain to the ground.

Why purchase a Rain Chain?

Rain chains offer you a great deal. Not only are they beautiful, but they also offer personality to your home or patio. Whether you are just looking for a copper accent to your home or garden decor, adding curb appeal, looking for a feature in a Zen garden or a water/ movement piece for Feng Shui, you can find all of this with a rain chain.
As the water flows down the chain, a lovely water feature is created before your eyes!

Do I need special equipment for a Rain Chain?

Not usually. Our rain chains, for example, are supplied with a small attachment piece. Simply remove your downspout & insert the attachment piece into the hole in the gutter.

Do I need a gutter on my house?

Yes you do, The Rain Chain isn't a water magnet, and just like any downspout, needs the gutter to gather the rain water and guide it to the chain.

Why Copper Rain Chains?

While we also make rain chains in brass, copper develops are gorgeous patina when left outside. First turning a dark penny brown, and eventually, as it reacts with the rain, it will turn a stunning verdigris green color (think of the Statue of Liberty!)

Where does the water drain to?

Many people just leave their chain hanging freely and allow the water to run off into the ground. You can also create a lovely feature below. For example, create a boxed area with an empty bottom and fill it with stones or pebbles, or even glass pebbles. Let the water flow down and drain through your stone trough. Another idea is to place a copper bowl below.

Maintenance

Rain chains need little maintenance, except checking your gutter for debris, as you would with a normal downspout.
If you live in an area with high wind storms or harsh heavy ice, we would recommend taking down the rain chain during winter and replacing your regular downspout. A heavy build up of ice could weigh down on your gutter and cause damage. Unless you are in a region like this, most people can leave their rain chains up all year round.

© TheMetalPeddler.com

Aluminum Fence Post Caps

2006-03-03T11:16:00.000-05:00

Due to a high demand, we have stepped outside of copper to produce Aluminum Fence Post Caps! These are now available on our website at a great value price.

With the same quaility design as our copper fence post caps, our aluminum fence post caps are strong & durable. Each fence post cap has a longer side leg than many on the market, allowing a better run off of water, meaning more protection for your fence post.
The legs are pre-drilled for mounting to your post, and are made of a seamless design to prevent water leakage.

Current size available is for a standard 4x4 post (that is, 3-5/8"/ 91mm square)

Rain Chains - Winter Maintenance

2005-10-31T15:09:00.000-05:00

If you have one of my great rain chains and live in colder climates, and you get Mr Winter like I do, now is the time to take down your rain chain until next spring.

Some people can leave them up all year, but if you get heavy ice, its best that you take them down. If your chain starts to get ice build up on it, it can weigh down on your gutter and possible cause damage.

For those lucky enough not to suffer from such cold, you may want to consider buying one as a great Holiday gift!

New sizes of fence post caps available!

2005-10-16T17:16:00.000-04:00

We have recently been able to add new sizes of copper fence post caps to our product line!

At TheMetalPeddler.com, you can now get the following sizes of post caps and finials:

Flat Caps
3-5/8", 4", 5-5/8", 6" and 6-5/8" as well as rectangular 4x6
Our flat caps are completely handmade and so can be customized to suit the size you need!

Pyramid Caps
3-5/8" and the new 4-1/8" & 5-5/8" (nominal 6x6)

Globe/ Ball Caps
3-5/8" and the new 4-1/8"

We are now taking orders for delivery in 1-2 weeks. Since we make pyramid and globe finials at periodic intervals, order now to avoid disappointment when we run out again!

Shipping update on Fence Post Caps

2005-08-25T10:55:00.000-04:00

Due to a huge demand for fence post caps, and a small production problem, we were running a bit behind on sending out caps.
We do anticipate shipping all back orders outs this week, and we appreciate the patience of all of our customers!

Currently, our post cap order page has a statement that shipping is 10-15 days after an order. Due to high demand, this is still the case for new orders but we do hope to reduce the waiting time!

Copper Garden Decor

2005-07-12T11:30:00.000-04:00

The use of copper outdoors is not a recent phenomenon. Indeed for centuries cathedrals, colleges & public buildings have adorned their roofs and side of buildings with beautiful copper, that has turned over time to a striking verdigris green patina.

While an elaborate copper roof or statue may be a little out of the budgets for most of us, there is still a vast amount of fabulous copper pieces you can add to your outdoor decor to have a real wow factor in your garden, porch or even outside your office.

Current best sellers are Gazing Balls or Garden Globes, and what better way to display them than on a well built and attractive copper gazing ball stand?

One of the fastest growing markets for outdoor copper has to be the rain chain. Rain chains originated centuries ago in Japan, combining a beautiful metal attraction with a functional water feature, that guides water from your gutters and down the chain to replace your downspout.

Or how about some simpler alternatives, such as copper fence post caps or copper scroll brackets to hang your house, office or shop sign? These special extra touches are a great way to add the beauty of copper without breaking the purse strings!

For those with their own designs in mind, of course we are always willing to work with our customers to see their ideas for beautiful copper, or even brass, come to life with our custom design service. We firmly believe that custom design does not always mean a high price, but that it was designed just for you! Email or fax your designs to us!

If you're still undecided, browse through some of this great outdoor copper selection! There's something for every taste and budget - Copper mailboxes, lanterns, weathervanes, statues, cupolas, birdhouses.... and much more. Just click on the pictures or links!

3D Home & Landscape Planning

2005-07-11T15:44:00.000-04:00

3D Planning & Design

Anyone Can Create Stunning Home Designs and Functional
Living Spaces Just Like an Interior Decorator, Architect,
Home Contractor, or Landscape Designer!

Many professional designers use plan3D's Home Design Software -- but you don't need any special training to put this great tool to use for yourself! plan3D is a new generation of 3D software that gives you real-time cinematic home design. There has never been an online tool this easy or realistic.

Give Any Room in Your Home a Professional Makeover!

You can create a new look for any room or home using 3D technology in real-time! Perform interior decorating and home improvements projects using 3D Home Design Technology that lets you see your new room and furniture layouts in full-color 3D...before you spend a dime on material and labor!

Before you purchase furniture... before you add a window... before you move into that new home... see it in vivid 3D and KNOW how it will look and feel before you waste your time and money.

'Remodel' Your Kitchen as Many Times as Your Want -- Before You Spend a Dime!

A remodeled kitchen can add tremendous value to your home -- not to mention providing you and your family with a great gathering place.

Kitchen plans are easy and fun to create with plan3D. Just snap in cabinets, dishwashers, countertops, cook tops and refrigerators.
Choose from hundreds of wood finishes, tiles, Formicas, linoleums, paints, wallpapers, and trims a to get a look that is just right.

Use Plan3D to Create Your Landscaping Ideas in Lifelike 3D!

There are no complicated commands. Just drop in trees, bushes, ferns, grass and other plants along with rocks, gravel, dirt, sidewalks, driveways and fences to get the look you want. plan3d's landscape design is extremely realistic.

Want to add fences or walls? No problem with plan3D. You get different styles and sizes of wrought iron, picket, chain-link and privacy fences and posts to fill your needs. Paint them any color or apply wood finishes. Add any style brick walls with caps and retaining walls, too. You can even create a house on the side of a hill and adjust the slope of your yard. Put
in retaining walls and drop the ground level to expose the water table.

Click to learn more about "plan3D". Get 2 months FREE when you sign up for a year!

Copper Fence Post Caps

2005-06-29T16:53:00.000-04:00

Our latest addition to the site are copper fence post caps - a great way to add an attractive look to a border fence!

Over time, the copper will react with the air and rain to creat a stunning verdigris patina. Available in sets of 6 with free shipping, they come in 3.5" square, 4" square and 6" square. Of course, as with all of our products, we can also make custom sizes for you.

Read an update of more caps & finials

Check them out or visit The Metal Peddlers Workshop

How To Give Your Home More Space

2005-06-24T14:28:00.000-04:00

Have you been looking for a home decorating idea on how to free up space in your home? Do you live in a dorm or efficiency where every inch of space counts?

Maybe you're tired of trying to come up with decorating tips on how to reduce the clutter? Or don't know where to start?

If you answered yes to any of those questions then maybe this is the solution for you.

Let me introduce you to the top-to-bottom-strategy.

It is a home decorating idea that can be of great service to you if you are starting out and you are about to move into your own home.

It is also helpful if you already own a house full of furniture and are willing to sell or donate what you no longer want in order to purchase a more space-efficient version.

This home decorating idea will work in many situations from great to small.

The greater your willingness to get rid of the old and bring in the new, the bigger space difference there will be in your home when you incorporate this idea. You may not want to exchange out many items in your home but decide on a few select items that will make a big difference once you've gotten rid of them.
The most beneficial part of this home decorating idea is that it can be customized to your preference. That's what makes it very opportunistic - it can be adjusted according to YOUR desires.

It is a simple three step procedure that will help you reevaluate your thought process. It deals with three levels. And each level can be used to help you better furnish your home by weighing any item you want or own against the top-to-bottom-strategy.

The 3 Levels:
Level 3: Ceiling
Level 2: Wall
Level 1: Floor

When you incorporate this home decorating idea you'll notice with each level you move from top to bottom. Also
notice that each level moves from ONLY taking up air space to taking up walking space.

Items that DO NOT affect your walking zone are considered to be items that take up air space.

The further up your item is positioned the freer your walking zone. And the more space you have in your home. The highest level that you can go is Level 3. In which an item you purchase is mounted from your ceiling.

When you had home decorating ideas in the past you may have considered furnishing your home using these three levels, but only under certain conditions. For example, your first home decorating idea may have first been that you wanted a floor lamp but instead decided to get a sconce installed on your wall or a chandelier mounted from the ceiling rather than your first initial idea.

That is a situation in which all three levels are used accidentally. But normally, you are likely to find that your ideas have constantly left out Level 2 and Level 3 when you consider furnishing your home with a new item. The reason for this is easy to understand. You normally see what you want and then you buy it.
And when you've done this there has been very little organization in furnishing your home. Except with the thought of whether you have enough floor space for the item in consideration.

Before today, your home decorating ideas have consisted of purchasing an item without really considering the three levels in combination with the item that you want. You were never taught, and never thought, much about the three levels because history never offered such circumstances until recently.

Manufacturers today are creating products with the less-is-more idea in mind. Home furnishings are far lighter and far more space conserving now than they ever have been. So this home decorating idea was never needed in the past since our predecessors had an entirely different way of living.

Less busy. Less complicated in specific areas, and so on. But that is clearly not the case today.

When you recognize that you want something from this day forward you can organize a space-conservative home decorating idea and easily offer your home the best space possible by considering whether you can furnish your home with an item on Level 3 first.

And if it is not possible on that level, drop down a level until it is possible to furnish your home on that specific level.

Take for example, a television.
Level 1: Floor

You know your home can easily be furnished with a television using Level 1. And your most space conservative item
to mount a television on is a pedestal tv stand, or a tv pole that extends from the floor to the ceiling.

When you have a home decorating idea in combination with using Level 1 you want to be certain to brainstorm for the most space conserving way to use your floor space.
You'll want to find the smallest yet most reliable item that you can find that will do the job. And when you are able to find this type of item, it will be so good at space conserving that Level 1 will almost give you the same advantages that Level 2 does.

For example, if you were to use a tv pole to put your tv on. The pole itself takes up so little floor space and mounts the tv in midair that it's similar to furnishing your home with a tv using Level 2. Level 1 will always take up floor space and interfere with your walking zone.
When you have a home decorating idea that incorporates Level 1, then the best you can do with Level 1 is get an item that uses as little floor space as possible and interferes with your walking zone as little as possible.

Level 2: Wall

These days with lcds and plasma tvs, you even know that your home can be furnished with the television using Level 2. And your most space conservative item to mount your television on is a tv wall mount. But not only can lcds and plasmas be mounted to the wall, your average television can be too.

There are dozens of wall mounts out there that mount regular tvs. But tv wall mounts may be something that has never surfaced to your mind. And this is a good example of when Level 2 is often left out of the picture.

When you add an item to your home in combination with Level 2 it will not take up your floor space but it will interfere with your walking zone the majority of the time.The higher an item is positioned on your wall the less it will interfere with your walking zone.

If it is positioned very high on your wall it will have the same exact advantages as Level 3. It will only take up air space and offer no walking space interference.

Level 3: Ceiling
Same goes with tvs and Level 3. There are dozens of ceiling mounts out there that your tvs can be mounted on.

But ceiling wall mounts don't arise to the surface of many minds. And this also makes a good example of how Level 3 is often left out of the picture when furnishing your home. When you add an item to your home in combination with Level 3 it will not take up floor space or interfere with your walking zone (assuming you are not so tall that you actually reach your ceiling). Level three only takes up air space.

It offers the most advantages.

There are dozens and dozens of items out there that you may not even know exists that you can furnish your home with. That are considered much lighter and more suitable alternatives than what you have in your home right now.

Consider an aquarium and the three levels. Did you know that wall aquariums existed? Not the type that you put inside of a wall, but the type of aquarium in which you can hang on your wall like a picture? They are often referred to as Living Pictures. Living Pictures could be saving you space in your home right now if you knew about them.

If you own an aquarium that's taking up a large amount of floor space you could easily incorporate Level 2 in your home to give yourself more room. Not to mention you have more of an advantage by being able to place your Living Picture just about anywhere in your home.

Knowing about this home decorating idea offers you more freedom. And more knowledge. And knowledge prevents you from making unnecessary mistakes that could've been avoided. One of the best ways that you can find out about these items is by using this home decorating idea in combination with surfing the net to find out more about each item that you're interested in.

Always remember to research what you want (using this home decorating idea) before you go out and buy what you see.

-----------------------------------------

Tameka Norris helps others simplify life's little complications by revealing the small things that is often overlooked:
http://simple-living-tips.blogspot.com

Newsletter - June 2005

2005-06-05T12:47:00.001-04:00

Summer Products & Special Offers!

Summer Products

As Summer is nearly upon us, we are working hard with Summer Specials, new designs and filling our orders for garden décor!

Solid copper gazing ball stands are in demand as gardeners spruce up for the Summer season! Sturdy & strong, gazing ball stands add a great focal point to a flower garden, porch, patio or even a gazebo!

We have 2 new designs of copper rain chains now on offer – the Spiralling Circle rain chain & the increasingly popular Double Loop Rain Chain. This is fast becoming our best seller, as customers look for some beautiful art for outdoor décor!

Rain chains provide a really beautiful alternative to a downspout, particularly on a front porch, adding curb appeal to your home! Let the light summer rains trickle down, and turn the rich copper into a gorgeous verdigris patina!

Special Offers

We have many special offers this Spring/ Summer for all of our customers!

Not only are we currently offering FREE shipping on all wall mounted pot racks this summer, we also have free or half price shipping on most of our hanging kitchen pot racks too!

Discount Vouchers
Subscribe to receive our newsletter via email & you will receive a 10% discount voucher when we publish our next newsletter! You can use the voucher code on any purchase, or pass it on to a friend!

Have you seen our new article pages?

We have recently started adding home and garden articles to our site. It’s still a small area but we hope to grow it, with useful ideas from cleaning copper to decorating to storage etc. Be sure to bookmark our site, and check back often for more useful tips!

Have a great summer!
Jason
http://www.themetalpeddler.com/

Copper Decor

2005-06-05T11:32:00.000-04:00

Range Hood Exhaust Fans
How to choose what you need

Copper Letters
Add unique design to your home with Arts & Crafts style copper wall lettering

Beauty of Copper
- Copper Kitchens

Copper Garden Decor
- Ideas for adding the beauty of copper to your garden, patio or porch

Copper Backsplash tiles
Copper Backsplash Tiles - Installing & Maintaining
Copper Backsplash Tiles - Discounts & New Patterns - Sept 06

Fence Post Caps - Size & Purchasing Guide
Rain Chains - Frequently Asked Questions
Rain Chains - Winter Maintenance

Other "How to" articles - such as cleaning copper, hanging a pot rack...

More articles coming soon....

See also:
Hanging Copper Pot Racks
Wall Mounted Copper Pot Racks
Copper Range Hoods
Pot Rack Accessories - Hooks & Chain
Rain Chains

About Us

2005-06-05T11:26:00.000-04:00

About TheMetalPeddler
- Read about Master Craftsman & Coppersmith Jason Fannin

Relocating & Expanding
- Summer 2006

Spring Press Release
- How we got started

Why buy from us?
- See why our procucts beat the rest

"How to" Articles

2005-06-05T11:19:00.000-04:00

Range Hood Exhaust Fans
How to choose what you need

Copper Backsplash Tiles
- Installing & Maintaining

Fence Post Caps - Size Guide
- What's the difference between Nominal & Full Sizes

Rain Chains
- Winter maintenance

Rain Chains
- What is a rain chain?

Hanging a Pot Rack
- How to hang your ceiling pot rack

How to clean raw copper
- Simple solutions to cleaning & polishing

How to clean lacquered copper
- Cleaning up copper pieces with a protective lacquer<

How to give your home more space
- Simple ideas and solutions

Newsletters & Updates

2005-06-05T11:09:00.000-04:00

New showroom Summer 2007

New Products for 2007
February 2, 2007
Copper Switchplates, Copper Numbers & Copper Mailboxes

Price of Copper & Keeping Prices Low

The Metal Peddler is relocating
- Summer 2006

Copper Backsplash Tiles
- New for Spring 2006

More copper Fence Post Caps & Finials
- New styles & sizes for Fall 2005

Copper Fence Post Caps
- New for July 2005

Subscribe to the Newsletter
- for updates & discount vouchers

Summer Products & Special Offers - June 2005
- Copper Gazing Ball Stands, New Rain Chain Designs & Special Offers

Why Buy from TheMetalPeddler.com
- How our products beat the rest!

New Products for April 2005
- Copper range hoods, Scroll Sign Brackets & Hanging Chain

Affiliate Program
- check out some our affiliates for other great products

Spring Press Release
- How we got started!

Subscribe to save!

2005-05-25T12:58:00.001-04:00

Subscribe to our newsletters to receive news on special offers, discount vouchers as well as be first to read about our latest products! Although we announce new product lines here, only subscribers will receive the discount vouchers!

Our next newsletter will come out by email at the beginning of June, so sign up now to qualify for the discount codes on hanging pot racks, wall mounted pot racks, range hoods & our current best selling copper gazing ball stands and rain chains for your garden decor!

Just click on the sign up link above to let us know!

please note: We have a NO SPAM policy. We do not sell or pass on email addresses. All details are kept completely confidential.

The Beauty Of Copper - Copper Kitchens

2005-05-13T13:12:00.003-04:00

The Beauty of Copper

Copper Kitchens

Versatile, strong & attractive, it’s not surprising that copper has been used for centuries and is today, the most frequently used metal! One of the oldest metals known to mankind, the beauty of copper is classic & timeless….

Copper holds a wonderful appeal. Both polished copper and rubbed copper items have a warmth about them, and yet a versatility that allows copper to be used everywhere, from the most modern & sleek to the most rustic farmhouse kitchens.

In the kitchen, copper pots & pans are incredibly popular for several reasons – they are easy to cook with, strong enough to last a lifetime, and are attractive enough to make a fabulous display.

Polished or hand rubbed Hanging Pot Rack

Window Display with a Wall Mounted Pot Rack

These days, it’s not just copper pots and pans you can choose in your kitchen! Manufacturers have been quick to design copper appliances to cater to interior designers and homeowners, providing everything from copper pot racks - to display those wonderful pots - to copper backsplashes, tiles, counter tops, refrigerators and of course stove hoods that add a “wow” factor to any kitchen!

Copper Hood

And not only can you create a stunning kitchen with copper accessories and appliances, the versatility of copper allows you to choose a variety of finishes – highly polished shine, a light hand rubbed finish or a penny brown patina – each adding warm appeal to make the kitchen the hub of the home…

TheMetalPeddler.com - specializes in handcrafted copper hanging pot racks, wall mounted pot racks, range hoods and other kitchen accessories. Every item is handcrafted in USA by coppersmith Jason Fannin

Why Buy from TheMetalPeddler.com

2005-05-02T19:28:00.000-04:00

It's a natural question to ask, when they are so many stores out there! So before you make your purchase or contact us for a custom order, read a few facts about TheMetalPeddler.

Handmade in USA by Master Craftsman, Jason Fannin using traditional Coppersmith methods & skills. Our pieces are not machine made or imported

Solid copper and brass is used, so your item will stay beautiful for many years to come

Our high quality pot racks are reinforced with cross braces to prevent buckling or folding under weight

Solid copper rivets are used, not only to continue the beauty & warmth of the copper, but also to add extra strength in the joints

All items can be custom made to suit exactly what you need in your home or garden

Great value for money! Every piece is strong enough to last a lifetime and more, but at a fraction of the cost of most of our competitors!

100% Customer Satisfaction to date!

If you still have any questions, feel free to email us!

We look forward to working with you!

Jason & Danielle
TheMetalPeddler.com

New Product Lines April 2005

2005-04-26T14:49:00.000-04:00

We've added 3 new items to our product line this month, and are looking forward to bringing many more over the coming months.

This month's new products

We are delighted to start selling Copper Range Hoods through our website! In the past, Jason has made these for special orders but has now decided to add these to the website also.
Pictured below is one of his most recent designs, created to look seamless for a sleek look in the kitchen & built with a strong solid copper frame. Custom designs can also be created...

click the picture for
more details

Scrollwork is always popular so we are selling a few pieces in the form of hanging sign brackets

Last, but not least, and by popular demand, we have finally added Hanging Chain. This is the only product we sell that is plated - all of our other items are solid copper or brass - alas, solid copper chain is just not cost-effective and would be very expensive! So, we are selling copper chain that is powder coated and clear coat dipped
We have 4 styles, from heavy duty large link to lightweight chain with a hammered finish

click for details

We are also working on new designs of rain chains, gazing ball stands and other copper garden art!
And as always, we look forward to hearing from our old & new customers! We love to hear your ideas and always appreciate feedback & photos of your pieces once you have them in your home & garden!

Many thanks!
Jason & Danielle
TheMetalPeddler.com

New Affiliate Program

2005-04-24T15:09:00.000-04:00

This month, we are pleased to announce our new Affiliate Program. The program allows Link Partners and Advertisers to earn commission on their website when sales are generated by their advertising. For more details see http://www.themetalpeddler.com/affiliate.html

We are also excited to be affiliates of some great sites relating to Home & Garden

As always, we are updating our site with new products. Check them out at TheMetalPeddler.com

Spring Press Release

2005-03-30T12:08:00.000-05:00

A recent Press Release announces the launch of www.TheMetalPeddler.com - the online gallery of The Metal Peddler's Workshop

You can view details at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/3/prweb222781.htm or read below:

"Virginia Coppersmith and Master Craftsman, Jason Fannin, Announces Grand Opening of New Online Gallery TheMetalPeddler.com

TheMetalPeddler.com is a new online gallery featuring the work of Virginia coppersmith Jason Fannin. The site specializes in stunning handcrafted solid copper and brass kitchenware and garden décor, such as pot racks, hoods, accessories, and custom designs. With a focus on traditional methods of metalcraft, combined with modern design, The Metal Peddler’s Workshop caters to every taste.

Newport News, VA (PRWEB) March 30, 2005 -- Jason’s philosophy is a simple one—to share his skills and craftsmanship by designing and creating beautiful, well-built pieces for the home and garden. What started as a hobby, making items for friends and family, turned into something much bigger when he started selling a few pieces through eBay. Returning customers and great feedback inspired Jason to give up his day job and set up his venture as a full-time business where he can use his skills and creativity to do what he loves best.

“I started many years ago, learning to work with hand tools, machines, and the properties of the metals themselves to form and shape my copper and brass pieces. Those abilities can’t be acquired by reading a book; the work isn’t something as easy as watching another craftsman. I had to get my own hands on the work and strive hard for success, and sometimes that meant failing...I don't use the words skill, integrity, and craftsmanship lightly; these were qualities I had to achieve before I could fulfull my dream.

“Eventually I honed all the skills needed to qualify as a Master Craftsman and set up my own shop. I am pleased to be able to sell my quality items around the world! The responses that I have gotten have been outstanding. I am most gratified that so many people now display my work in their homes, gardens, and businesses.”

It’s not just Fannin who believes in the art of the Master Craftsman! Many of his customers are excited to work with him, getting a handcrafted product and personal service not offered by many home-improvement corporations in today’s fast-paced, disposable world.

Jean Marie in Wisconsin writes Jason: "Thank you very much for custom-making my copper pot rack. Your professionalism, expert craftsmanship, and timeliness in completion and shipping made this transaction a breeze. I enjoy your giving me the history behind the materials used and am quite certain the piece will become a topic of many discussions with family and friends. I will not hesitate in contacting you again should my friends or I need anything in the future. Thank you again!"

About TheMetalPeddler.com: Jason Fannin trades as The Metal Peddler’s Workshop and began business in January 2005 after training for 10 years in the metal fabrication and machine industry.

Contact Information: Visit us at http://www.themetalpeddler.com/ or call Jason Fannin 757-890-2614 for more information."

Hanging a Ceiling Pot Rack

2005-03-08T15:00:00.000-05:00

How to hang a ceiling pot rack

We get many questions each week from people asking how to hang their rack from the ceiling. This article will tackle what can seem daunting and make it simple for almost everyone!

Pot racks can get very heavy when weighed down with a full set of pots & pans, so it is important that yours is installed firmly into the joists to prevent the rack from falling!

You will need:
· ceiling screws, that is a wood screw for the joist with a hook at one end to attach to the chain
· a drill
· a stud finder (optional)

How to find joists

* The simplest way to find joists is to look for nails or nail heads that hold the wallboard to the joists. Depending on construction, most joists are spaced at 16” or 24” gaps. A flashlight may help to locate these. Tap the area to find a section with solid backing – the joist

* Failing that, invest in a stud finder from your local hardware store. A simple stud finder can cost around $10. Simply slide it across the ceiling and it will beep or flash as it detects the solid frame. Mark the position of the joists and their direction

Where do you drill?

If your rack has 2 ceiling points

* Racks are sturdiest when hung with the chains at an angle, either outwards or inwards, as shown in the 2 pictures below. This adds more stability and prevents the rack from swinging or tilting,

In these pictures, the 2 chains on each end meet so the rack will hang from just 2 points in the ceiling.

* The simplest way is to hang the rack in the same direction as the joists, so you can simply measure point to point across the joist, drill, fix in the screws and hang the rack.

* If you prefer to hang the rack at right angles to the joists, find 2 joists and measure the distance across. Make sure that the distance between them will allow you to still hang your chains at angles, as in the photographs. Depending on the size of your rack, you might need to go to the next joist.

If your rack has 4 ceiling points

In this photo, the customer preferred to use 4 hanging rods instead of chains. In such a case, you will need to find 2 joists.

The rack above was 19” wide, the joists 16” apart. Angling the rods slightly inwards, they could be attached to 2 joists next to each other.

If you have a much bigger rack, you will need to find joists maybe 2 or 3 apart.

Hopefully, you will now have the confidence to tackle this project!

If you have any specific questions or would like to see a particular article in the future, please contact me!

Jason,
www.TheMetalPeddler.com

Cleaning Copper

2005-01-28T14:47:00.000-05:00

In our first "How to" spot, we will answer most common questions we receive: "How do I clean my copper?" and "Will it tarnish?"

Well the answer really is - it depends. Yes, copper will tarnish over time as it reacts with the air and it will develop a patina. That patina will be different depending on whether the item is inside or outside. If you add rain to the mix, the patina will eventually turn an attractive green, a look many people find very desirable (think of copper roofs that have turned green)
So, for those who want the patina-look, minimal cleaning is required and certainly no polishing!

For those of you who buy copper for the warm shine & polished look, say for your kitchen, there are many ways of very easily keeping that wonderful look.

Solid copper Vs Copper-plated

Copper is a very popular metal, not only because it looks so great but because it is strong & versatile. It is also very durable and will last many years, but will the finish look so good in that many years? Many manufacturers use copper-plated steel or iron which can start off looking great. Eventually that plating can start to thin out, leaving a piece looking irregular with the metal underneath showing through and ruining the whole look.
With solid copper, your piece can look as good in 20, 30 or 50 years as it does today!

Cleaning

There are many products available that you can use to clean up your copper, or you can make your own products from ingredients in your pantry!

First of all, is your product lacquered? If so, please follow the instructions from the manufacturer because polishing can ruin the lacquer.

Dusting and occasional cleaning with warm soapy water can often be enough for your copper. But to get that wonderful shine back here are a few tried and tested methods:

Shop Bought Products

Most are fast and easy, but follow instructions and maintain caution with some.
Wenol All Metal Polish, Bar Keepers Friend, Wrights Copper Cream and Brasso are just a few. Our current favorite is Brasso Multi-Purpose Metal Polish which produces a wonderful polished finish.

Shake well
Apply to a soft dry cloth
Rub lightly all over the copper to loosen dirt
Allow to dry for a few minutes
Polish with a soft dry cloth.

Home Made Solutions

There are some very easy ways to clean copper by just raiding your fridge or pantry! Some of these are great on flat pieces, like the bottom of copper pots.

Ketchup. Smear ketchup all over the area, Leave for 5-10 minutes and rinse clean!
Lemon halves & salt. Dip half a lemon into salt and rub across the copper. Rinse & dry.
Lemon & salt paste. Make a paste of lemon juice and salt (or baking soda), rub into the copper with a cloth, rinse with water and dry
Solution to make & keep. This is one you can make up and store in a glass jar with a secure lid for future use.

Mix ½ cup each of flour, salt and powdered detergent
Add ¾ cup white vinegar, ¼ cup of lemon juice, ½ cup warm water
Mix well and pour into the glass jar, label and seal.
To use, add a small amount onto a cloth and rub it into Copper. Use a toothbrush for hard to reach areas.
Rinse with water and rub dry with a clean cloth.

Follow these simple steps, and you'll be able to keep your copper as warm and polished as the day you bought it for many years!

Jason
www.TheMetalPeddler.com

Our First Blog

2005-01-25T15:10:00.000-05:00

We are experimenting with blogs, and hope that it will provide a new way that we can communicate with our customers, to provide fun and informative articles.

As time goes on, we hope to be able to bring you a "How To" Spot. This will be a place where are customers can learn a little bit more about what we do, what we sell, and how to make best use of them....

We'd love to hear from our customers about what they want to read and learn about, so feel free to email us!

Our first article coming soon!

Jason Fannin
TheMetalPeddler
http://TheMetalPeddler.com

TheMetalPeddler

Enter to win $100 Voucher from The Metal Peddler!

Charity support: Pennsylvania Wildlife Rescue & Rehab

Copper & Brass bookshelf & pot rack

Metal Art Silhouettes

Custom Copper Backsplash

Skye's Spirit & The Metal Peddler release barred owls

Holiday Gift Cards for copper decor!

Wildlife Sponsorship

Care and maintenance of a lacquered patina

Copper Stars & Barn Stars

NEW! Full 6x6 Copper Fence Post Caps

Copper Letters and Wall Lettering

New showroom display

Range Hoods – How to choose an exhaust system

Fan/ blower

Power: CFM

Internal or external fan

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Clearance Sale on Copper Backsplash Tiles

New Copper Designs for 2007!

Keeping Prices Low

Price of Copper

Clearance Sale and New Patterns!

Fence Post Caps - Size Guide

Relocation News!

Relocation Dates

The Metal Peddler, Inc is relocating

Copper Backsplash Tiles

Rain Chains FAQ

Aluminum Fence Post Caps

Rain Chains - Winter Maintenance

New sizes of fence post caps available!

Shipping update on Fence Post Caps

More Copper Fence Post Caps and finials

Copper Garden Decor

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Copper Fence Post Caps

How To Give Your Home More Space

Newsletter - June 2005

Copper Decor

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The Beauty Of Copper - Copper Kitchens

The Beauty of Copper

Copper Kitchens

Why Buy from TheMetalPeddler.com

New Product Lines April 2005

New Affiliate Program

Spring Press Release

Hanging a Ceiling Pot Rack

Cleaning Copper

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