Copper you say???

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I've seen some threads where folks mention using a copper back-plate.  Is this as simple as I think it is, or am I missing something.  As I understand it, this copper plate is placed, clamped or generally situated behind what you intend to weld.  I guess the copper absorbs some of the heat and prevents the creation of cheese graters!  Do I have this right?  If so, can you use just about any copper stock? (i.e. like something I could pick up real quick at Home Depot?)Cheers!Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.
Reply:I've come across copper plate while welding thin sections, small parts and thus. Its used as a heat-sink and reduces distortion by absorbing and dissipating heat rapidly. Ideal would be to use pure copper because of its very high thermal conductivity compared to its alloys like berrillium copper, etc. cheers!
Reply:Been using aluminum very effectively as a heat sink.
Reply:Howdy!  My source for this great backing material, is old used buss bars from dead electrical panels.  Some are silver plated, but almost all are copper under a thin layer that just scrapes off with a beafy wire wheel.  Just a thought.  Brian Lee  Sparkeee24
Reply:copper, not to thin...copper can be braze welded with the mig.  careful its not too thin good luck,chris
Reply:Yes Im with sparkee...old, used, bus-bars are very good. Thats again because bus bars are pure-copper mostly. Aluminum is good too. But copper is more effective if you're welding very thin sections or very small parts.
Reply:In addition to being a good heat sink for thin sections, the weld bead won't stick to copper.  For example, you could use it as a backing plate behind a hole for a plug weld in a piece of thin material.