funkbastler wrote:
On Fri, 03 Jun 2005 14:08:43 -0400, Chuck Harris
wrote:


The Oxygen-free feature of copper wire is about enhanced flexibility,
and improved resistance to breaking. Oxygen free copper wire in power
cords and speaker wires lasts longer.


Ever seen the stuff used on arc welders? Big bundles of very fine
strands, with a soft rubber (or rubber-like material) jacket. Lasts
a long, long time, doesn't break with flexing, and it's not low-
oxygen.


Really? How would you know that? Given that all of the copper wire
manufacturers these days have switched over to oxygen-free manufacturing
techniques for their copper products.

OBTW, my welding cables fray like the dickens on the connector ends. I have
had to reattach the connectors on the stinger side twice now. But then,
I actually use them.

All "no oxygen" means is the copper was smelted in a way that prevents
the inclusion of oxides in the copper. It is a pure, soft copper. It
makes a slightly lower resistance wire than the earlier copper smelting
precesses. Being softer, oxygen-free copper can be worked more, and doesn't
wear out tooling as quickly as ordinary copper.

Or did you think that it took a highly spiritual audiophool to hold his
breath while blessing the wire?

Here are some definitely non audiophool companies that make oxygen free
copper products:

http://www.shanghaimetal.com/Copper_tube_terminal.htm
http://www.tatung.com/wire/e-copper.html

-Chuck