Cutting Titanium what to do ?????

RDT · Apr 21, 2001

Hi all,
I am totally new to this but have been doing okay (for a novice) with a very primative set up as far as making knives out of BG42. I end up doing most of the work by hand. Not out of choice but because I have limited funds as far as the big serious grinders are concerned. However doing Titanium by hand or by grinder is very difficult and was wondering if those Bi metal band saw blades really work on Ti or not. I'd rather not spend the extra $$ if that damn things don't really work. Any ideas ? I just started trying to use Ti and used a drill press and a Dremel to cut out my shape. This took a long time and those darn cobalt/Ti coated bits don't last long at all and ain't cheap. What to do ? I love Ti on all my folders as far as liners. bolsters locks etc. Thanks a bunch and take care.....RDT

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RDT.

Tom Anderson · Apr 21, 2001

You have mail!

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Tom Anderson
Hand Crafted Knives

www.andersoncustomknives.com

Darrel Ralph · Apr 22, 2001

Get a cheap saw from harbor freight.
There 200.00 bucks.
Then use the slow speed.
Get a good blade with as many teeth as posible. This will help cut out ti.

End mills use carbide.

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Web Site At www.darrelralph.com
MADD MAXX !

RDT · Apr 22, 2001

Thankyou Tom and Darrel, much obliged !
RDT

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RDT.

tom mayo · Apr 23, 2001

pray!!!!!!!!!!

RDT · Apr 24, 2001

You said it again Tom.....(;

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RDT.

Darrel Ralph · Apr 24, 2001

The other thing you can do is use a dull blade , set the saw up for the fastest speed it has and friction cut the ti!
Leaves one hell of a burr!

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Web Site At www.darrelralph.com
MADD MAXX !

mchazen · Apr 24, 2001

Rdt, be advised the fumes from Ti are very bad for you to say the least. Also, watch the grinding dust for it will catch on fire and the only way to put it out is to spread it out. Ti makes it's oun oxygen (tanks Alen Folts for the info) as it burns. Go slow and then slow down

. Mark Hazen

RDT · Apr 25, 2001

Thanks Darrel and mchazen,
Yeah I try and take it slow with the Ti, it sparks like a mutha and I know the light it gives off is quite damaging to the eyes as well. I use alot of water and vacuum as well still wearing my respirator after it's all done and appears safe to do so. Thanks for all the help, take care.....RDT

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RDT.

RJ Martin · Apr 25, 2001

One thing you might want to consider is avoiding Ti until you have more experience and better equipment. Same thing for "exotic" steels like BG42.
I learned a while back,(the hard way, I might add) that it's better to work within the limits of one's equipment than to fight it and get frustrated. The safety issues mentioned are REAL-I wear a $400 PAPR and have an extensive dust collection system that really isn't overkill for my small shop, and I've got about $1000 invested in that. Yes, it's frustrating getting started. But, there's lots of knifemaking you can do with just 01 steel and handle materials that you can work nicely with minumum (or no) equipment.
I'm not trying to discourage anyone from going for it, mind you, but, just saying that if your getting frustrated by what you can't do, to concentrate on what you can.

Stay Sharp,

RJ Msrtin

RDT · Apr 26, 2001

Thankyou as well RJ, so far the knife making is'nt terrible just longer than need be and not absolutely perfect. Therefore anything I have made so far I refuse to sell as it ain't ust right. It looks good and funtions well just that the fit and finish ain't perfect or there is some tiny flaw on it somewhere....arghh ! Hate when that happens. Thanks again.....RDT
bttt

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RDT.