I am casting some aluminum face plates using the LFC method. I was
wondering if anyone knows what lathe tool I would use to smooth the face
and at what speed. Tommie

On Wed, 6 Jul 2005 10:45:21 -0400, (Tommie) wrote:

I am casting some aluminum face plates using the LFC method. I was
wondering if anyone knows what lathe tool I would use to smooth the face
and at what speed. Tommie

the only time that I turned brass and aluminum, I used files, but has a good
idea going...

To take it a step farther, you might make an Oland tool like Darrel did:
http://aroundthewoods.com/oland.shtml


mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

On Wed, 6 Jul 2005 10:45:21 -0400, (Tommie)
wrote:

I am casting some aluminum face plates using the LFC method. I was
wondering if anyone knows what lathe tool I would use to smooth the face
and at what speed. Tommie

Tommie,

Even your hss tools will be harder than aluminum face plates, but if I
were going to do it, I think I would get some carbide metal-turning
bits and make a purpose-built tool to hold them (a drop of CA to
secure it and a propane torch to release it when it's dull) and turn
them at a high speed, just removing a sliver at a time, with the tool
rest as close as you can get it. Not knowing what you have for
tooling, it's hard to say what _you_ would use, though. Any of the
powdered metal tools would certainly be harder, like the ASP 2030 or
2060 and indeed, even carbon steel is harder, but I don't think I'd go
that route. You could also use a square-ended scraper, as far as that
goes.


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"Tommie" wrote in message
...
I am casting some aluminum face plates using the LFC method. I was
wondering if anyone knows what lathe tool I would use to smooth the face
and at what speed. Tommie
============================
With a metal lathe, the job would be done with a metal turning cutter bit
held in a tool post and moved across the face of the face plate by a hand or
powered crank. I assume (with all the uncertainties that go with that) you
don't have a metal lathe, and are asking how to do this with a wood turning
lathe. How I would do this is to use a small diameter (1/4 or 3/8 in.)
spindle gouge with a fingernail grind. Turn the toolrest so it is
perpendicular to the lathe bed, and move it up so it is almost touching the
face plate casting. Then turn it at a slow speed (500 RPM or less) and take
slow cuts like you would on a finishing cut on hard wood. Aluminum cuts like
a very hard wood, but has a tendency to gall easily. If you have a way to
lubricate the cutting area, it will probably help. HTH

Ken Moon
Webberville, TX.

To lubricate Aluminum for machining you will find WD-40 works very well.

Ken Moon wrote:

"Tommie" wrote in message
...

I am casting some aluminum face plates using the LFC method. I was
wondering if anyone knows what lathe tool I would use to smooth the face
and at what speed. Tommie

============================
With a metal lathe, the job would be done with a metal turning cutter bit
held in a tool post and moved across the face of the face plate by a hand or
powered crank. I assume (with all the uncertainties that go with that) you
don't have a metal lathe, and are asking how to do this with a wood turning
lathe. How I would do this is to use a small diameter (1/4 or 3/8 in.)
spindle gouge with a fingernail grind. Turn the toolrest so it is
perpendicular to the lathe bed, and move it up so it is almost touching the
face plate casting. Then turn it at a slow speed (500 RPM or less) and take
slow cuts like you would on a finishing cut on hard wood. Aluminum cuts like
a very hard wood, but has a tendency to gall easily. If you have a way to
lubricate the cutting area, it will probably help. HTH

Ken Moon
Webberville, TX.


And keep the cutter held firmly at just below center.
If you have a metal lathe, all the better.
If you have a cross slide type of operation, all the better.

Martin

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Hi Tommie

HSS drills will drill alluminium like butter and HSS cutting and
scraping tools will cut it readily, the only problem with alluminium is
that it needs lubrication or it will stick to the cutting tools edge, I
have used cutting oil, diesel fuel and stove oil with success.
For your faceplate I would use a thick HSS scraper, keep your toolrest
close and take light cuts, keep your cutting speed at about 200 feet per
minute and it should work just fine.

Have fun and take care
Leo Van Der Loo

Tommie wrote:

I am casting some aluminum face plates using the LFC method. I was
wondering if anyone knows what lathe tool I would use to smooth the face
and at what speed. Tommie