shipping stove panels

[phoebe9435]

It seems I have found someone reputable (according to Hugh of Hugh's Place) who does a fantastic job with plating and putting a patina on copper chambers. Not cheap and not close (San Antonio, I think). I am considering it though - I want to find out what the shipping might cost.

I could see seperating the panels with bubble wrap and/or styrofoam boards, but what to encase them in - I almost feel like creating a plywood box but that would certainly be heavy and might not hold up to shipping.

Any ideas out there? This is the size of a chrome top only less fenestrated.

I really wish I could find somebody local... found someone to so a straight plating (no patina) but no one yet to do the sealing - and not much of a clue as to what would hold up best - Oh! and the interesting part is that the sealers are all flamable! I think the back splash far enough from open flame... but it is kind of funny.

[RobbiQuest]

I have shipped panels cross country successfully. I just dropped them off at the local Postal Annex. They bubble wrap the more stable pieces (like the side panels and back-splash) and boxed them. The stove-top, which is less stable (because it was cast-iron and had alot of cutouts) was encased in styrofoam before being boxed. Just make sure you pay for insurance in case something happens.

[phoebe9435]

Thanks for the response - do you remember what the cost was?

[Kitzig]

Phoebe,

Who did you find in San Antonio? That is just up the road and I'd love to see what they could do with my copper.

Lori .

[ammon]

Phoebe - I can't yet speak from experience as an owner of a Chambers, seeing as I just brought mine home today, but I can offer advice on how to pack things. In the moving business bubble wrap is often used, by unscrupulous movers, not so mmuch for its protective benefits, but more so because it frequently is expensive. I'm not necessarily saying that you shouldn't bubble wrap your panels, but bear in mind that the efficacy of it is overrated. If you do use bubble, make sure you use the kind with the larger bubbles, and also make sure that the bubbles themselves are facing inward (the protruding bubbles should be in contact with the panel).
Generally, when one is dealing with something that is more or less flat, cardboard offers a superior form of protection. I don't mean boxing your panels, per se, but you would use the concept. If there is a moving supply store near you tell them that you want some flat cardboard, the thicker the better. Or, if you have access to used moving boxes you can use the larger ones that people pack dishes in. Cut the box open so that you have a flat sheet of cardboard and then wrap each panel in cardboard, much as you would wrap a flat christmas present. Cardboard is seamed, so it isn't very difficult to bend as needed. The snugger you can make the cardboard fit on the panel the safer it will be. Tape it securely and you'll be good to go.
If you wanted to be extra careful you could both bubble wrap and cardboard your pieces. That's pretty much the best you could do.
Good luck,
Ammon

[phoebe9435]

Thanks Ammon, I am going to have it wrapped and when I do I will be checking to see that is as you recommend.

Lori! I have decided to go with the San Antonio outfit. They are not internet together and they have no photos to show me but I think I can get them to send me some samples. The price is around $750-. At least you would not have to ship. They bake the finish in a room size oven to 250 degrees. It sounds as if the "antique finish" is satin grainy - like a weave. All I know is that Hugh still remembers it with something like wistful awe in his voice. He much preferred the antiqued look over the straight copper that he has also sent out for (to another shop, though). Prestige is also ready to do a straight plating for a bit less.

Let me know if you find out anything of note. It would be great to have our stoves restored to their regal selves in tandem!

Prestige Metal Plating
(210) 736-3400 2103 Blanco Rd
San Antonio, TX

[Kitzig]

I agree that the weave sounds the best. Thanks for the information and I think I'll have to drop in for a visit to check them out. That shiny copper is way too bright.

[phoebe9435]

I have almost completed the panel removal. I am a little shakey - I hope I can get is all back together! I am have trouble figuring out how to get the oven door keeper off - I found a pic inthe manual of the assembly, I just can't figure how to get to the screw. Also, those two screws under the timer - can I just unscrew them?
Thiis info is in the manual somewhere, I am sure - but when you get nervous it is hard to read tech stuff!

I still haven't decided whether to simply re-plate (and just forgo the seal) or to go the deluxe route by sending the panels to Texas for copper antiquing and bake-on sealant. There is about a 500.00 difference - (600.00 with the shipping) but at this point I just want what I am going to like the best. Seems like "antiquing" means light black streaks or mesh. That stuff has always looked fake to me.

I guess Ha is on vacation - I miss him.

I felt like Lowracer taking my stove apart today. Now I need to juggle some pets.

[lowracer]

<font color="#FFFFFF" size="1">[ March 09, 2006 11:36 PM: Message edited by: lowracer ]</font>

[phoebe9435]

Thank you Thank you Lowracer.

I am placing all the sets of stuff in baggies with names on them.
I lost or never had the third little circle collar on the oven handle assembly. Lowracer would probably get this at the local Ace (see, I do read your blog).

I went to the Ace here to try to get the regulator and some tubing and the connector part to the stove for the propane tank I am trying to set up on Beauty - and they couldn't help me! I couln't believe it. They tried to send me to a propane place. I called them and they wont sell me anything over the counter - only if I pay 65,.oo / hour. Well it's almost BBQ season, I'll hang in there.

I am just going to keep cleaning what I can understand how to put back. - I will have all the panels off now that I got the tip!

Life is GOOD! You guys are the best!