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How To Build a Copper Trellis for Your Garden (page 2 of 2)

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How To Build a Copper Trellis for Your Garden

Use the 2x4 Jig to Keep Tubes Aligned
The 2x4 jig makes assembling the frames almost foolproof. Start by setting the four 30-in. tubes between the outermost pairs of nails. With the tubes in place, it’s an easy task to mark where they intersect the 3/4-in. upright tubes. Then sand and flux the marked areas. Make sure to orient the curled spear points in the same direction. Measure 8 in. from the top of the upright to the top of the horizontal tube and secure it with a spring clamp (Photo 8).After you solder the first joint, remove the clamp and solder the remaining three joints. Remove the half-built frame from the jig and form the opposite ends of the crosspieces (Photo 9). Repeat the steps in Photos 6–8 to complete the main frame.

Build the ladder frame the same way. Measure down 12 in. from the top of the spear to the center of the first tube. And then solder the five 18-in. tubes to the upright tubes. Slide the tubes all the way to one side to solder the first tube. Then slide them to the opposite side to solder the second upright. Otherwise you’ll burn the wood with the torch. Remove the completed ladder frame from the jig and reinstall the main frame between the nails.

Solder the Two Frames Together
Clip the ladder frame back into the jig on top of the main frame. Mark all eight points where the two frames intersect. Mark both frames. Then remove the ladder frame and flip it over to sand and flux the marked areas. Also sand and flux the marked areas on the main frame. Replace the ladder frame and solder the two frames together (Photo 13). Repeat this process for the two additional tubes. There are no nails in the jig for the final two tubes. Position them according to the dimensions in Figure B and use spring clamps to hold them in place for soldering (Photo 14).

From The Family Handyman - April 2004

• • Landscaping
• • Gardening
• • Backyards

• How To Build a Copper Trellis for Your Garden with Step-By-Step Instructions
• Use ordinary copper pipe and tubing to create this backyard accent. Read an overview of how to build a copper trellis for your garden.
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• How To Solder Copper Pipe
• Step-by-step instructions on how to solder plumbing joints in copper pipe.
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• 6 Simple Garden Projects
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