I'm trying to do a similar thing just now with the MAX6675 and the breakout board from Sparkfun (at least I think it's the MAX6675, I'm at work now). It's not clear to me if the wires from the female thermocouple socket to the MAX6675 breakout also need to be K type or is copper OK? At what point is it OK to switch to copper? Could the thermocouple lead be soldered right to the breakout board for prototyping?

Thanks for your help. Sorry if I should be starting a new thread.

DD.