what to do with aircraft aluminum?

R

reiko1078

Joined
Sep 1, 2011
Messages
143
Working at an aerospace manufacturing facility I have access to almost unlimited amounts of airframe aluminum. I'm not sure of the gauge but I would say its about 1/16 to 1/32 thick. In like 10x10 inch pieces. If you had this sort of material what would you use it for?, I'm having trouble coming up with anything but its such a waste to let it just get melted down
 
anodize and stack 'em to make handle scales?

could also anodize them and cover up a pancake-style kydex sheath.
 
I work aerospace myself and wish I could have all the scrap we have....but for me that would cost me my job. I can go to surplus sales and buy it though. If it's aircraft it should be either 7075, 2024 or possibly 2219. It could also be 6061 if used for tooling purposes. If it is in "O" condition it will be dead soft. You can do much more with "T" condition as it is heat treated or mill worked to be hard. I use 7075 T-6 Bare for my folders and it works well. I use "O" or "T" condition for spacers on a hidden tang or liners on a full tang mixed in with other liner/handle material. It works great for making sheilds and gaurds around the shop too.
Jim
 
Training knives, if you stacked them to the appropriate thickness.
 
I've seen AL&resin laminate used as handle material. That looked nicely high tech
 
I would agree with the templates idea. that was what came to mind after I thought about it for a while.
 
Make throwing stars and sell 'em to ultralight ninjas........ that's a niche!
 
It could be used as siding or skirting material, or as roofing, all very fire and rodent resistant.
 
Get yourself a rivet gun (like a 3x) and practice your aluminum work. That’s one of the things I miss form aviation. I got my A&P about 15 yrs. ago, but I've been out of it lately.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top