Tauruscat: Completed Sensor

After several coats of Liver of Sulphur and one coat of wine vinegar I have completed the sensor tube fittings.

Shown along with the sensor is a polished brass fitting to show how much it darkened with treatment.

Tauruscat: Tubing Fitting

I have spent quite a bit of time attempting to locate the perfect fitting to cover the end of the tubing where it joins the resin sensor. I looked at clamps and crimps and ferrules. I bought two sets of parts from Ebay—fifty brass hose ferrules, and another fifty copper end caps—both of which were too large. And then to my chagrin, I discovered the perfect metal piece at my local hardware store. It is a ½" brass compression fitting.

The photo shows my steps for aging the fittings, and making them a little less recognizable as a part you probably have under your kitchen sink. The top piece is in its originals state. Going around clockwise, I sanded off the sharp edges; I sandblasted it to remove any lacquer; and I buffed it. On the far left bottom I've dipped it into vinegar a couple of times which brings out the cuperate patina. And above it I dipped it into Liver of Sulphur which turns the copper in the brass brown.

I will age all eleven of the fittings together to hopefully a nice dark brown.