Introduction: HomeMade Modern DIY Copper Coffee Maker

By HomeMade Modern
About: HomeMade Modern is an online design source that publishes easy-to-follow, DIY recipes for creating modern home furnishings. We provide creative ideas for making affordable alternatives to pricey designer home…

This is the first episode of our “CoffeeScapes” series that will feature different ways to make the things that make our coffee. The copper pipe pour over device is held together with epoxy, so soldiering equipment and skills are not required. Because copper pipe can be cut with a tube cutter, this project can be made without a single powertool. I've included links to the filters and funnel that I used down in the supply list. This is a really easy project and makes a great gift.

Step 1: Supplies + Tools

1/2" Type M Copper Pipe (5’ length)
Type M copper pipe is thinner and easier to cut than the heavy duty types like type L and is perfect for applications like this. You only need about 2 feet but a 5 foot length was what I found at Home Depot.

1/2" Copper Fittings
Make sure that the fittings are the right size for the copper pipe you select. You'll need:
2 T-Fittings
3 Elbows
2 End Caps

Glass Funnel
I used a 100mm glass funnel to hold the coffee filters.

Steel Wool
I use #0 grade steel wool to clean the copper pipe and fittings.

2 Part Epoxy
I used a 2 part epoxy to fasten the copper pieces. Soldering it with a torch would be better, but is more difficult and requires additional tools.

Chemex Coffee Filters
Chemex coffee filters work well. If you get ones that are too big, it's easy to cut them down with scissors.

Rigid Tube Cutter

Step 2: Cut the Copper Pipe

Copper pipe is really easy to cut and doesn’t require powertools. I used a tube cutter to score a line and then simply snapped off the pieces by hand. A pair of pliers can be used to help get a better grip, but make sure you don’t scratch the copper too much with the jaws of the piers. You can wrap the copper with a rag to protect it before gripping it with the pliers. The length of the pieces depends on how tall of a cup you plan on using, so be sure to measure your cup height and the height of your funnel before cutting the pieces.

Step 3: Clean the Copper

Once you have the pieces cut, clean them with steel wool.

Step 4: Scratch

In order for the epoxy to get a good grip on the smooth copper, I scratched the ends of the pipes with 80 grit sandpaper. I check the fit of the fittings first so that I would only scratch the part of the pipe that would be hidden inside the fittings.

Step 5: Mix + Glue

Mix the 2 part epoxy together per the manufactuer's recommendations and apply to the ends of the pipe. Assemble the coffee maker and use blocks of wood to hold it in the right position while the epoxy sets.

Step 6: Wipe Away Excess Epoxy

Use a rag to remove epoxy that may have squeezed out during assembly.

Step 7: Wait Then Clean

Once the epoxy has set, you can do a final cleaning and polishing with steel wool.

Step 8: Add the Funnel + Make a Cup!

Insert the glass funnel into the top T-fitting and you're ready to add a filter, coffee grounds, and hot water! I used Chemex filters but accidentally bought the large ones, so I had to use scissors to cut them down to size.

Good luck making your own copper coffee maker and please email or tweet photos to @benuyeda or ben@homemade-modern.com. For more DIY ideas and projects, visit us at HomeMade Modern.