Turning aluminum

[Rick P]

So got my carbide tipped tool in Michigan and now a chunk of aluminum......any last minute advice before I start playing with this stuff?

 

[Displaced Canadian]

If you segment use thinner pieces and cut them close to the size of the blank. If you leave a wing sticking out it will tear the blank apart. I read this in a book somewhere.

 

[Rick P]

My plan is to make my own hardware. I plan on offering both my own "kitless" pens and the production kits. I need more artistic freedom than the kits offer me or I'll get stunningly bored of turning pens very soon! As a warm up I think I'll start by turning an all aluminum slimm, just to get a feel for the material.

I should have been a bit clearer and your advice will come in very handy as I move on to other projects! Thanks very much!

 

[Dalecamino]

Rick, are you turning this on a wood lathe? Get the smallest diameter stock necessary. That will speed things up a bit. Are you thinking of making nibs and finials too?

 

[Rick P]

Yes I am Chuck, a pen that is completely my own. I do intend to start off on my wood lathe, gonna be tough but then I love a challenge! I got some 1/2 inch stock today, that should cover most of my needs for now. The local supplier has it in 1/8th inch increments starting at 1/2 inch. I think it will be awhile before I try a fountain pen, roller ball sells better with my clients and it seems to be a good place to start.

 

[Mapster]

I would recommend turning it on the corner of the carbide. If you go straight on it chatters a lot. Get a good grip on it, get your hands clear of hot shards and turn away!

 

[johnnycnc]

Nothing fancy, but a few pointers to get you started:

my tips


Have fun!
John

 

[graham murfin]

cuttings

So got my carbide tipped tool in Michigan and now a chunk of aluminum......any last minute advice before I start playing with this stuff?

Hi
try to get your tool to break the cuttings, or you'll find an aluminium worm trying to grab you,

Always stop before untangling

graham

 

[Dalecamino]

Rick, just FYI, johnnycnc has aluminum blanks already drilled, cut to length and champ-ford for certain kits. Here's one I made with some of them. In case you'd be interested in saving a few steps in the future.

Hope to see your pen when it's done.

 

[arcwick08]

I have found myself recently contemplating taking the plunge into aluminum turning as well.... if one does not buy pre-drilled blanks, will HSS bits drill the AL?

 

[DurocShark]

Yup. Use something for a lubricant though... I use transmission fluid.

 

[Haynie]

Remember those shavings will be hot and sharp. Wear a respirator when you sand. Where gloves, and watch out for long shavings that hold on, hey can catch your wrists and forearms pretty good.

I like turning aluminum it does not chip, crack or explode. Now I just need to make it pretty colors using Brad's instructions.

 

[johnnycnc]

I have found myself recently contemplating taking the plunge into aluminum turning as well.... if one does not buy pre-drilled blanks, will HSS bits drill the AL?

Easily, yes.

 

[Robert111]

I've turned aluminum pens using a HSS 1/2" round nose scraper. Slow but it works.