Spinning aluminum
 

Hello all,
I may have to spin some al. sheetmetal into a sort of funnel shape on
a woodworking lathe. I have the basic idea but was wondering what
type of lube to apply to the al. and what type of material to use as
the forming tool.
Thanks,
Gene

Spinning aluminum
 

GeneT wrote:
Hello all,
I may have to spin some al. sheetmetal into a sort of funnel shape on
a woodworking lathe. I have the basic idea but was wondering what
type of lube to apply to the al. and what type of material to use as
the forming tool.
Thanks,
Gene

I use tallow for all my non ferrous spinning, seems to work well and is
one of the traditional lubes. In the US people mention toilet wax rings
melted and oil added, can't remember the mix but might be able to look
it up. I'm in the UK and we don't use wax for that toilet seal, only
rubber apparently, so I was told by someone with over 30 years dealing
with that sort of thing, so haven't tried it. Special blends are
available but I expect quantity would be an issue. I have tried ordinary
grease but found it didn't stay on the piece nearly as well as the
tallow, I prefer to stay ungreased so stopped trying it.

Regarding tool material you want to use steel and polish it. It doesn't
have to be hardened so you can use mild steel. A harder steel will last
longer but is more work to make.

Spinning aluminum
 

there is a pretty good Robert Sorby video on metal spinning on a wood lathe
that you may care to look for

"GeneT" wrote in message
...
Hello all,
I may have to spin some al. sheetmetal into a sort of funnel shape on
a woodworking lathe. I have the basic idea but was wondering what
type of lube to apply to the al. and what type of material to use as
the forming tool.
Thanks,
Gene