Which aluminum?

[Rick P]

6061, 6063, 7 something T6 or T7........I turned some of the 6061 I think and frankly it was a lot easier than fossil ivory but I wasn't wild about it's ability to hold a thread. I see some of this being discussed in another thread but felt starting a new one had merit and I did not want to hijack the other thread.

 

[frank123]

6061 T6 is the way to go.

I've used it for all kinds of things for years and years. Hard to find one that machines better for most uses and it's readily available everywhere.

It threads well as long as you use a lubricant. (I'm assuming you use taps and dies dies)/ It's sort of stringy so reverse (turn it backwards just a little) the tap or die frequently to cut the chips loose so they don't start chewing up the thread you're making.

If you're threading aluminum to screw into aluminum -I'm thinking cap to body- you will probably have wear problems and a rough feel since aluminum has a good deal of friction against itself. Aluminum to plastic or aluminum to brass will thread together better and have a better feel. Lubricant offsets this but isn't really acceptable for pens.

 

[Rich L]

6061 T6 is the way to go.

I've used it for all kinds of things for years and years. Hard to find one that machines better for most uses and it's readily available everywhere.

It threads well as long as you use a lubricant. (I'm assuming you use taps and dies dies)/ It's sort of stringy so reverse (turn it backwards just a little) the tap or die frequently to cut the chips loose so they don't start chewing up the thread you're making.

If you're threading aluminum to screw into aluminum -I'm thinking cap to body- you will probably have wear problems and a rough feel since aluminum has a good deal of friction against itself. Aluminum to plastic or aluminum to brass will thread together better and have a better feel. Lubricant offsets this but isn't really acceptable for pens.

+1
You almost never (never say absolutely never) want to thread aluminum into aluminum without some sort of interstitial lubricant or disparate material (moly-d, teflon, anodized surface, ... but lubricants aren't cool for pens as Frank says). The mating threads can easily gall and then you'll have a real problem.

Cheers,
Rich

 

[Displaced Canadian]

In my limited experience, (which amounts to the last 2 days) 6061 is harder but threads better. 6063 is easier to turn. I believe both can be anodized. Good to know about not threading aluminum to aluminum.

 

[BKelley]

Rick,
6061 T-6 is most likely your best way to go. The 6061 number tells you what the alloy is and the T-6 is the heat treat. Personally, I prefer 7075 T-6. I think it machines better. Have you got any friends down at Elmendorf? They just might find you some nice scrap.

Ben

 

[WWAtty]

....Aluminum to plastic or aluminum to brass will thread together better and have a better feel....

You don't want aluminum against brass. The two metals will form a galvanic cell and corrode like crazy.