turning tungsten

Hi all,

As it says, any tips on speeds, tools-HSS or tip tools, lubricant etc.

A friend has asked me to turn a piece of bar apx 2in down, not got the sizes yet and I was hoping for a bit of advice. I will be using a super 7 if this helps for speed etc, any help would be much appreciated.

Regards Matthew

Frankly, sounds like you are in for a real treat. Oh, and he is no friend either.

graham.

Try this **LINK**

Hi Matt, I turned some down to make some sample counter weights, it is tough but not so hard. I used a tipped tool but HSS will also cut it, the components I made had a 6m thread as well and the tap was a standard HSS tap but it was tough going. Lube well with a good quality cutting oil and you should be OK.

Many years ago the company I worked for made a lot of counter weights for aircraft and the material was called heavy alloy, it was largely tungsten , not sure of the other components but again there was no particular problem machining these with normal tooling.

regards John

Edited By JohnF on 10/07/2014 18:32:55

Hi Matt

I used to help a friend out, turning tungsten alloy for darts bodies. I don't recall any problems, used HSS and including screwcutting the thread for the flights, probably 2 BA

Jim

Hello Mathew - many years ago a dart playing enthusiast asked me to "thin" down the body of a set of tungsten darts. It was probably the easiest material I have ever turned - like butter with a HSS tool bit. Weirdest thing though is that the swarf came of looking golden - like bronze - but within seconds, oxidised and went grey.

Rik

Matt,

Depends whether it is pure or one of the "alloys". I use the quotation marks because the heavy metal (as used in darts) is actually tungsten powder in a matrix of nickel and iron or copper and not a true alloy. Tungsten heavy metal turns like free cutting steel.

Pure tungsten is a different matter. This link may help.

If it's the latter - good luck!

Rod

Thanks everyone,

First I will see if I can talk him out of it, if not I will let you know how I get on.

Many thanks Matthew

Thanks for the explanation Rod - I've a piece of pure Tungsten bar, 1/4 inch diameter and my experience isn't of something that cuts like butter using HSS tooling!

Steve

You're very welcome. If anybody has a source of heavy metal bar in small quantities I'd be glad to know of it. It's very good for balancing model i.c. engine crankshafts. 1/4", 6mm, 3/8" or 8mm would all be useful.

cheers,

Rod

Edited By Roderick Jenkins on 12/07/2014 21:28:29

Thanks again for all the help, just to let you know I talked him into using brass, but I am still keen to give the tungsten ago at some point just out of curiosity, if I do I will let you all know how bad it was.

Regards Matt

Rod,

that's not too difficult. Over the big water they indulge in a strange sport called Pinewood Derby racing. This has developed into a hi-tech affair, and so they use Tungsten rods and balls to put as much weight as allowed into these cars. Search for Pinewood, and you will see it all.

I also bought some small off cuts of Tungsten in 4-6 mm dia. (iirc) on this famous 4-letter auction site.

I did not any turning tests with these, but if someone asks...

Regards, HansR.