Looking for tips/suggestions on modifying Ti slabs.

[NJBillK]

How's it going folks?

I have been toying with the idea of modifying my Mantra 2.

I have been thinking of what I have and what I would be able to accomplish.
Dremel, belt sander, drill press, files, sand paper, polish and other basic hand tools.

I was thinking of jigging, or adding some evenly spaced grooves with a chainsaw file or diamond files, I have an actual checkering file but I am unsure if the Ti would gum up the teeth and it being excessively hard to clean out.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I haven't worked on Ti aside from polishing it, so I am essentially new at it. Since I am undecided as to the effect I would like to accomplish, I am rather open minded to ideas and tips are always welcomed.

Thanks in advance.

 

[kuraki]

Ti files fine. Any of the methods you described are applicable depending on what you're trying to accomplish. Design what you want to do and it will be easier to suggest how you might go about it.

 

[NJBillK]

I was looking for materials to practice on. Do you think that low carbon steel stock from a home improvement store, or even finely ground mdf would give and practical experience worth referencing?

I am mostly asking that about the mdf, as the steel would yield something to infer from.

Thanks.

 

[kuraki]

MDF carving might help you tune your hand eye coordination but will be frustrating because it won't act like metal. You won't get fine detail possible in metal because of how it chips out.

I would use aluminum or mild steel to practice. Aluminum for filing or rotary cutters, will save tool life. Steel will give a better feel for the resistance that cutting ti will be like.

 

[NJBillK]

Fantastic, looks like I have my next project lined up.

Thanks again.

For anyone else reading, feel free to add any info, tips or suggestions.

 

[115Italian]

Fake bolsters? Polish the area for the appearance of bolsters.