How To Build a Copper Trellis for Your Garden with Step-By-Step Instructions

Figure A Jig Assembly

Figure A show how to build the jig. While it isn’t absolutely necessary, the jig simplifies the task of keeping the tubes aligned while you solder them together. You can also design your own trellis. Start by drawing the design on graph paper. Then transfer the tubing spacing to the 2x4s and build the jig as we show. Make sure to slide the copper grids back and forth in the jig as you solder opposite sides to avoid getting the flame too close to the wood.

Flatten and Form the Ends In order to connect the tubing without using plumbing fittings, we show a method of bending the end of one tube to fit around the other. Start by building two bending forms using 6-in. lengths of steel pipe (gas or water). Build one jig with 3/8-in. pipe for bending tubes to fit around 1/2-in. copper tube, and another with 1/2-in. steel pipe for ends that fit around 3/4-in. tubing. Bend nails over the pipes to hold them in place on the hardwood blocks. Practice the bending technique on scraps of tubing to get the knack. It’s OK if you don’t get a perfect fit. The solder will fill small gaps.