I want to create a large workspace by covering a sheet of plywood with a layer of thin copper sheeting. Tips?

What kind of tools will I need to bend the copper around the edges of the wood and secure it underneath? Will this be hard to do? What gauge should I use? About how much would it cost for a 2 feet by 8 feet sheet of copper?I want to create a large workspace by covering a sheet of plywood with a layer of thin copper sheeting. Tips?
16-18 gauge copper would probably do the trick.


As others have said, the copper will be EXPENSIVE! Are you sure you need *copper*? A tube or two of liquid nails thinly and evenly troweled on the plywood, or perhaps some gorilla glue will adhere it nice and evenly. Clamp it down near the edges by clamping a piece of metal barstock or a 1x2 even with the plywood edge. You can either bend it down or hammer it down, depending on how you want the edge to look, and then either nail or screw down the edges.





To give you a ballpark (on the high side) of what the copper might cost McMaster Carr ( http://mcmaster.com ) has copper sheeting 12'; by 36'; and 0.04'; thick for $101.85 (USD) and that's not even half the size you need.I want to create a large workspace by covering a sheet of plywood with a layer of thin copper sheeting. Tips?
copper is crazy money right now .. Try using sheet metal . Call a hvac duct supply company can bend the edges for you
Buy Formica/Wilson Art/Pionite/Nevermar that looks like copper, it'll be cheaper, ook the same and be much more durable.





And you can easily work with it with a router and mica bit.





- Copper lover and collector.
Copper is big for $$$ right now. Cash in what you have and buy sheet metal. Not sure why you want metal. All our work tops are plywood. When you are drilling it will save bit tips if you hit wood instead of metal. You can screw in stops for sawing. Sorry couldnt be any help. m
All you really need is a hammer and maybe a 2x4 or straight edge to help keep it flat. You might want to use some adhesive though under the copper so it doesn't tend to pop up or make annoying popping sounds.
copper is a poor choise for many reasons


it tarnishes quick


it is soft and easily dented


very expensive


requires special skills to be able to work it


forget copper use stainless steel if you need a metal surface.