jeffreybrown18
Member
Is there any one who has Aluminum Pen Blanks for the PSI bolt action pens for sale. I have some guys in my unit that would love a pen with aluminum.
Aluminum Pen Blanks
- Thread starter jeffreybrown18
- Start date
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Dalecamino
Local Chapter Leader
They are pretty easy to make yourself IF, you can get some T6061 aluminum rod over there. I could make some for you with proper dimensions. Might cost a bit to send them.
jeffreybrown18
Member
The problem here on Okinawa is they don't do much manufacturing. so you can't
find much aluminum here on island and the stuff i find is very expensive. I found a piece that was 1"X 3' for 5000 yen that like $50
find much aluminum here on island and the stuff i find is very expensive. I found a piece that was 1"X 3' for 5000 yen that like $50
Dalecamino
Local Chapter Leader
I suspected that. How many do you think you will need?
jeffreybrown18
Member
I need 5 right now. But I know that as soon as one is out there i will need more.
Dalecamino
Local Chapter Leader
If I had more time and, less to do, I could handle it for you. Maybe someone can help out. Sorry!
southernclay
Member
Doesn't USPS allow the same flat rate shipping to you on base as in the US?
kovalcik
Member
Maybe this is a case of "if you have to ask...", but here goes. What does making an aluminum bolt action blank entail? Just drilling a 3/8" hole in a piece of ~2" aluminum rod, or is there more to it?
southernclay
Member
I've only done an aluminum Liberty and drilled the aluminum blank as close to the same as the inside diameter of the brass tube. Didn't use the tube just used red loctite when pressing the parts into the aluminum.
But I think you can use a brass tube just like usual, just be sure to use a good epoxy for metal to metal adhesion
But I think you can use a brass tube just like usual, just be sure to use a good epoxy for metal to metal adhesion
CrimsonKeel
Member
I buy my rod at hardware stores. a 6 foot section cost like 10 bucks. maybe try a local hardware? if not it will get pretty costly to ship. looks like 23 bucks shipping to a flat rate envelope
sbell111
Member
If the aluminum rod was the perfect diameter as your bushings (and it was drilled perfectly in center) and you just wanted it straight from bushing to bushing, you could just 'locktite' in the fittings and be pretty much done. Otherwise, you'll have to turn down the aluminum rod. I believe that most people use carbide-insert tools to make this happen. (Make sure that your tool rest is as close to your work as possible.)
Of course, aluminum will oxidize, so you'll probably want to protect it in some way. (Anodizing seems like a great way to go, but I havent tried it yet. BradG has a cool tutorial in the library regarding this.)
Rockytime
Member
It has been my experience that hardware aluminum does not turn well. I have not tried turning with wood lathe tools but on a metal turning lathe it is very gummy. I would only recommend T6 6061. It is hard and drills very well.
CMaxey
Member
Mr Vic
Member
PM sent...
Have a couple of those in the shop and can check the dimensions...
Have a couple of those in the shop and can check the dimensions...
jeffreybrown18
Member
Yes the only way to get thing over is thought USPS. And the cost is the same as shipping any where in the states.
Dalecamino
Local Chapter Leader
jeffreybrown18
Member
Dalecamino
Local Chapter Leader
You are welcome! That's a really nice looking pen. Hope you unload the rest of them (pun intended) :biggrin:
wouldentu2?
Member
What size diameter is it? Solid or hollow?
TBCbushings
Member
Me personally would not use 6061....I would 7075 or 2024... 6061 is really gummy unless you have coolant on the material all the time...It can be done but it is a bit gummy....Hardware store are probably selling 5052 aluminum....Really gummy..Just my $.02 worth.