Copper Pipe Wine Rack

by aCuriousCreator

13K13429

Intro: Copper Pipe Wine Rack

This Instructable is entered into the 'Metal Contest' and 'Homemade Gifts Contest'. If you can vote for me in those it really helps! Thanks

In this guide I show you how I made my Copper Pipe Wine Rack. It's made using standard 15mm copper plumbing pipe, it is pretty easy to pick up where ever you are in the world. The whole build takes about a day to make, and might be quicker if you use power tools.

For this build you will need;

FREE PLANS AND CUTTING GUIDE.

STEP 1: Cut Pipe

First step was to cut the pipe all down to the sizes. There are 2 different sizes needed;

20 x 9.5cm Long (3.75inch)
34 x 4.5cm Long (1.75inch)
2 x 7.5cm Long (2.95inch)

I used a pipe cutter for this. It works really well, gives you a nice clean cut with a small chamfer on the ends to help it fit into the connectors. The only trouble is it took ages, literally ages. About 2/3 hours to make all the cuts. If you can a band saw, or a metal cutting saw it might be a bit quicker. But not sure the cuts would be as clean as with a pipe cutter.

STEP 2: Prepare Parts

Once I had finished cutting all the parts, I laid out all the parts and fittings. Including all the poles listed in step above, and then all the connectors.

20 x 90 Degree Elbow Joints
24 x T Fittings

Then I did a dry fit to make sure everything was cut correct size, and was not missing any parts. As it turned out I was 4 T fittings short, so had to run out and buy more. Make sure to head over to my website to download the FREE PLANS with a complete cutting and parts list.

STEP 3: Glue Up

Once I was happy everything fit nicely, I started the glue up. I used Gorilla Original Glue. Over the different copper pipe projects I've tried this has worked the best. I find soldering holds the best, but takes too long and requires quite a bit of work to clean up the copper pipes. I have also experimented with super glue (CA Glue) which didn't hold very well.

However this glue works by dampening the ends of the copper pipe, then putting the glue on. The glue foams up and expands to fill the caps around the pipe to ensure a tight bond. It also gives you about 15/20mins before it sets, this meant I had enough time to get it all fitted together.

I made sure to wear some gloves to stop the glue from getting on my hands, it's pretty nasty stuff.

It takes around 25/30mins to cure, and as I mentioned it foams up and expands as you can see in the photo. This mean that once it was cured it takes quite a bit of work to remove the excess. I went about it with my fingers, a sharp knife and a file. I needed to be very careful to avoid scratching up the copper pipe.

STEP 4: Brasso

Once all the pipe work was cleaned up I went over quickly with some wire wool to prepare it for finishing. Some of the copper pipe was brand new and nice and clean, the rest I had left over from another project and was a few months old so had quite a bit of oxidation on it.

I used some Brasso over the whole thing to clean it up and give it a nice clean finish.

STEP 5: Final Photos

Remember to head over to my website to download the FREE PLANS and cutting guide from my website, and watch my YouTube video for a clear guide.

23 Comments

K2sayshi 6 years ago

What a gorgeous wine rack...well worth the investment in time and material!

Love it... Hope you win! I voted for you.

aCuriousCreator 6 years ago

Thank you so much for the kind words! It means a lot, and thanks for voting as well :) Have a great day!

HC30 6 years ago

To much work. Why don't just buy one at a fraction of the cost?

aCuriousCreator 6 years ago

Aha you could do. But pretty sure you’re on the wrong website if that’s your view :)

HC30 6 years ago

Yes, you're right! I opened this website by mistake but I already unsubscribed! Not sure why I was receiving these emails in the first place because I never subscribed. Don't see the point on making copper pipe wine racks or any other other products that can be purchased at the store. Happy new year!!

CybrgnX 6 years ago

Yes when not critical glueing is excellent alternative! I'v done this may times.

guds777 6 years ago

Why don't you brace these copper pipes instead of gluing.

aCuriousCreator 6 years ago

Hi, what do you mean by brace? I went with glue as it’s pretty quick and easy but a very strong finish

JerryL1206 6 years ago

I think he ment 'braze' not brace. Or you could solder it

aCuriousCreator 6 years ago

Oh right. Braze, yes could solder. I've done it before a few times. But it does take a little longer to clean up. And my idea here was, that would put some people off, heating up metal etc, bit daunting for some people, and glue I think makes it a bit more accessible :)

RussPastuch 6 years ago

Likely braze. Nice job, interesting.

RebeccaJ64 6 years ago

This is amazing, love it. You got my vote‼️

HugoD54 6 years ago

It's bit expensive to make.

aCuriousCreator 6 years ago

It cost me less than £20 (maybe less $30) all in. Which isn’t too bad I don’t think.

doing2much 6 years ago

Ooo, my husband would LOVE this! You are the 3rd person to get a vote from me - and yes, on both counts!

aCuriousCreator 6 years ago

Thanks so much! :) Let me know if you make one, make sure to share any photos if you make one!

gfikes 6 years ago

You could also use pvc pipe.

aCuriousCreator 6 years ago

Yep PVC pipe would work as well. I did consider using it then spraying a different colour, or even using some metal paint. But in the end decided that copper pipe was stronger and would look better. Thanks for reading! If you can vote for me in the Metal & Homemade Gift competitions that would be great!

sam maghsoodloo 6 years ago

How much did the copper cost? I love making things with pipe but fitting prices are ridiculous.

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