The Making Of Our Drink Dispensers

 

 

Our Copper drinks dispensers are meticulously crafted in our small workshop in Merseyside, with a focus on creating something unique and eye-catching. The process begins with the wooden bases, which are made from reclaimed floorboards. To give them a distinctive look, we use an ancient Japanese technique called Shou sugi ban, which involves burning the wood with a blowtorch. Shou Sugi Ban (or Yakisugi, as it is known in Japan) means “burned cedar.” It is an ingenious 18th-century Japanese wood burning technique that creates an intriguing charred appearance that highlights natural wood veining, While it might seem counterintuitive, the act of charring wood doesn’t make it structurally weaker, but magically has the opposite effect. Burning the surface of the wood under controlled conditions fortifies and protects the wood against future damage, making it an excellent preservation technique. Afterward, we carefully sand and brush the burnt surface before sealing it with waxes and applying a coat of varnish.

The next step involves cutting and assembling the various lengths of copper tube. We use a combination of compression fittings and soldered copper fittings to ensure a secure and durable construction. Each piece of copper tube has to be cleaned with a brush tool and flux applied to ensure a cleanly soldered joint. While some may suggest using glue as it’s easier, we believe in doing things the traditional way for a more authentic result.

The dispenser's leg then has an isolating valve fitted and this fits into a black iron threaded plate. This can be left as is or painted in a variety of colours, allowing for customization. It's worth noting that the leg does not contain any drink; it is blocked off in the gate valve to prevent liquid from accumulating.

Behind the area where the bottle sits, we install a brass air vent. This allows air to enter the unit, ensuring smooth water flow. The vent can be opened during use and closed when not in use to maintain an airtight seal. A rubber stopper is also fitted, allowing the bottle to be easily pushed onto the dispenser. Once the building process is complete, we meticulously clean the copper using wire wool and Brasso. To preserve its shine and prevent oxidation, we apply a lacquer that acts as a protective barrier.

Overall, our drinks dispensers are a labour of love, combining craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality.