carbide tool question?

[sumterdad]

I have interest in turning some aluminum for a all aluminum pen. Do I need to get a metal lathe carbide tool and insert it into one of my broken tool handles or will my carbide tools such as the roughing and finishing blades be sufficient. Thanks for your input.

 

[sumterdad]

any takers on this. I know there has to be someone out there who knows.:biggrin:

 

[Haynie]

Your wood tools carbide will be fine. Watch out for the shavings they get super hot and are whicked sharp.

 

[PTsideshow]

You could even use HSS chisels since most aluminum is softer than most steel light cuts.
:clown:

 

[hewunch]

Your wood tools carbide will be fine. Watch out for the shavings they get super hot and are whicked sharp.

Chris, yes, your new tool will work. I did it not too long ago with mine.

 

[JD Combs Sr]

I agree with most of the others here, your carbide wood tools will work fine. I turned this pen using my Easy Wood tools and there was both aluminum and brass in it. It turned fine. Again as a couple of the folks said "watch out for the shavings".

 

[jjudge]

Aluminum, brass, copper, and soapstone and alabaster can be turned on wood lathe with woodturning tools.

They dull your blade quickly, so sharpen more often and, if you can, use the nicer carbide cutting tools.

And, as posted, watch your HABITS. Don't run your hand on the spinning body, wait *completely* for the material to stop moving before touching it or sweeping a shaving away.

-- joe