I need to make a 42 inch circumference copper cover for a fire pit. Doesn't need to be fancy, concave, like a big shield with a handle in the middle.

I know nothing about working with metal. Retail prices for this kind of cover are steep. Of course, if you have a bargain source for something like this, let me know.

Any suggestions on what to do (or not do)while getting this done. Who best to call for the raw materials? My local metal scrap place? Is copper more difficult to work with than say, iron or steel? How many hours of skilled metal working labor should I expect to hammer/weld/forge this?

Thanks for any insights. It's for a gift.