Since you have a real boner for copper, but want to remain safe, copper plate the oems. That should give the best of both worlds.
Ron

 

Dan is right.

For instance. take a little length of a brand new roll of copper. Bends easy to the shape you want. Once----Try again. It's harder to bend. Work hardened.

Always do function first, then form if you can.

 

I know this is an old thread bud did you ever come up with a solution...I had the same thoughts as you did.