Copper 145

Hi im having a problem turning copper on my mini lathe. its so gummy, ( not tried the milk trick yet)

The thing is i have been told copper 145 turns ok but i cant seem to find it any where. Has any one got any idea where i can get it ?

In my experience copper can be nasty stuff for drilling tapping turning or even hacksawing Best of luck

Roy

I found this:

**LINK**

Apparently it machines much better but is SCARY expensive at a few times the cost of copper (wot is not cheap!)

Neil

Thanks for the like Neil but its in the states again. Looking for something in the UK

A lot of people favor the Vertical Shear lathe tool. I haven't used one myself yet.

More info:

**LINK**

**LINK**

Turning copper starts at about 3:40 in the second video link.

Ed.

Edited By Ed Duffner on 10/04/2016 15:01:24

I've been intending to try a shear tool for ages, maybe I'll get a round tuit one day... Here's a couple of good threads.

http://www.chaski.org/homemachinist/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=84313

http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/threads/39894-Shearing-tool-update

Roger

Whats wrong with really sharp tools, worked in industry years ago

Most copper is Hard Drawn as supplied. I have machined more than my share to make EDM electrodes. The answer is to buy free cutting copper that has some sulphur added, another advantage is that it does not bend when the skin is cut like the HD stuff. When I was working in the mould making industry I bought the free cutting copper from EDM suppliers. Here in the midlands I used two companies Erodex and Graphite technologies.

Depending on the final use of the copper it should be fine but you would need to check spec if making a boiler.

The two stockists above sell in 12" lengths but like all copper it does not come cheap. If you form grind it use plenty of tallow on the wheel, for general machining cut dry or use a little soluble oil from a washing up liquid bottle.

Sharp tools and slow speed/backgear

copper and aluminium get hot and sticky at higher speeds