cast aluminum shavings

[jack barnes]

while cleaning the shop yesterday I got the idea to use some of the aluminum shavings and cast them in pr. casting looked good but was a pain in the a$$ to turn, won't do that again here is what it looks like

Jack

 

[PTownSubbie]

Understand that! I made a casting out of some decorative sand I found at Michaels. It wasn't a blank....... It was a brick that I created!!!

Nice looking pen even though it was difficult to turn.

 

[NewLondon88]

Looks great, Jack!

 

[holmqer]

Looks great!

Out of curiosity, what were the main issues with turning it that gave you grief?

 

[DozerMite]

I've done it a couple times, but wasn't impressed with the results. Even used brass and copper shavings as well.
I didn't have any problems turning or finishing. What gave you trouble?

 

[rjwolfe3]

Looks very nice!

 

[GouletPens]

I made a pen out of cast steel wool that looks very similar. Probably a little easier to cast, but man did it take a while to turn!

 

[djpnevans]

I like the look. I was on the lathe at work today turning some brass but I put the shavings in the bin(man what a waste).
David

 

[jack barnes]

Eric when turning as the aluminum got real small it tended to come loose and leave small holes. I had to fill the holes with ca let it cure and turn. It took 4 to 5 hours to finish. I have a couple more blanks, I'll bring to the meeting if you want to try to turn one.

Jack

 

[holmqer]

Eric when turning as the aluminum got real small it tended to come loose and leave small holes. I had to fill the holes with ca let it cure and turn. It took 4 to 5 hours to finish. I have a couple more blanks, I'll bring to the meeting if you want to try to turn one.

Jack

Sure, bring one along and I'll give it a try and see for myself how annoying it is! So far I have yet to turn any aluminum but I soon will give metal pens a try as I just ordered a D chucking reamer.