Cutting Ti and Timascus efficiently

PI2DMP

PI2DMP

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Hey guys, I'm still relatively new to knife making and can use all the advice I can get. Recently I've gotten into working with titanium and even some timascus. I was hoping some of you out there with more knowledge on the topic of the most effective and efficient way to cut these two materials could lend me some advice. Such as what machine or tool to use, how best utilize the machine with creating as minimal loss of material as possible (especially for the timascus as I can't afford much loss), and even suggestions on where to purchase the machine if it's something I don't already have. If you guys could help me out with answers to these questions and anything and everything else you think may be relevant I would greatly appreciate it. Thx BF!
 
Did you try to search first?

Cutting 6Al4V ti on a metal cutting bandsaw is a total piece of cake. Using a good bimetal blade from the knife supply houses, you should be able to get months out of a blade cutting both steel and titanium. Buy a HF, Delta or Enco bandsaw for under $200 and invest in the good blade. End of story.
 
In my opinion, there are two different schools of thought on cutting Ti. If you are in the "Time is money" camp, a good bimetal wood cutting bandsaw blade run at 3000fpm and fed quickly will work for cutting off stock to length. If however, you prefer accuracy, then you will want to use a metal cutting bandsaw that can run at speeds around 100fpm or less (I believe 40fpm is the industry recommendation) and use a sharp metal cutting blade with the appropriate tooth count for the thickness you are cutting. Feed into the cut at a speed that doesn't let the work get too hot because Ti will get harder as it heats up.

Grinding should be performed at slow speed to prevent sparking and the associated flash fires. I have found 500-600 fpm to be the best belt speed for my purposes. The material actually comes off faster at slow speed than at high speed.

Bob
 
Thank you both very much Chuck and Bob. All that info is gonna help me in many different ways. Keegan
 
Titanium dust is one of the worst for your lungs. Always wear a respirator when working Ti, and beware of sparks as Ti dust is very flammable.

I use a coarse blade with lots of pressure.
 
Atlas Knife Company said:
Titanium dust is one of the worst for your lungs. Always wear a respirator when working Ti, and beware of sparks as Ti dust is very flammable.

I use a coarse blade with lots of pressure.
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Damn, thank u for that heads up. Makes me nervous about any work I've done with it in the past. I think I'm going to have to upgrade to one of those quality masks and Home Depot particle disposable mask.
 
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