Turning Aluminum on a Wood Lathe?
Turning Aluminum on a Wood Lathe?
I have a total lathe newbie question for you experienced fellas. Can aluminum bar be turned on a wood lathe? If so, is there a risk of damaging the lathe? Also, what turning tools could you use? I don't have the cash for a metal lathe yet but would like to make tampers with aluminum tamp ends. I've made a couple successfully turning them on a lathe using old, crappy wood turning tools but it was a real pain and I'm guessing the tools won't hold up long doing this. I'm looking for a better way with the tools I have if one exists.
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me2cyclops
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Wed Dec 17, 2008 10:42 pm
- Location: buford , Ga
yes it can be done and is quite common.
build yourself an "oland" style tool that uses standard tooling blanks. I recomend high cobalt steel for AL it will turn off nicely and holds an edge longer than most wood turning tools (also works great turning bowls!)
as for damage to the lathe, turning offcenter wood blanks is much harder on the bearings than this will be.
build yourself an "oland" style tool that uses standard tooling blanks. I recomend high cobalt steel for AL it will turn off nicely and holds an edge longer than most wood turning tools (also works great turning bowls!)
as for damage to the lathe, turning offcenter wood blanks is much harder on the bearings than this will be.