Titanium

[opnsysme]

I was wondering if any of you pros out there have any info on how a person might go about grinding or working with Ti? I'm looking for general stuff like tools, special ginders or wheels? The best cutting devices? That type of stuff.

 

[C. Marlowe]

Nothing really special, just expect to go through stuff fast, Titanium destroys cutting edges and grinding belts. I Use Cobalt drill bits and Carbide countersinks. Carbon steel bandsaws ( get used quickly but thereye cheap, and your just as likely to shear the teeth off as have it go dull ). I use ceramic belts that are too worn to grind steel effeciently as much as I can. Wear good saftey glasses, face shield, respirator, hearing protection, plus the apron, gloves ( nothing loose around machinery ), dont scrimp on the saftey gear. If possible, work the stuff in an open area, or one with very good ventilation ( natural or forced ). Do NOT hookup to a dust collection system, just put a water bucket under the grinder. I recomend having a good fire extinguisher handy just in case ( I have two in my grinding room. Cant think of anything else.. Good Luck -- Charles

 

[Peter Atwood]

It likes to burn up as you're grinding it. Big sparks and pieces of slag fall off and they keep burning no matter what which is why Charles said NO DUST COLLECTION. The fumes are full of vanadium which will make you sick if you breathe too much of it. Be careful and use plenty of ventilation with this stuff.

A Harbor Freight metal cutting bandsaw with bimetal blade from Kovalknives.com cuts it just fine. You need a slow bandsaw for best results. Some people do use a worn out woodsaw blade on a wood cutting bandsaw to friction cut it, but it's somewhat dangerous and it zone hardens the edge that has been cut. Not recommended.