Aluminum and Brass

[NGLJ]

To test the progress that I have made over the past few weeks I decided to make a Cross style kitless from aluminum and brass on my wood lathe. I started from ½" diam aluminum and brass rod. Clearly, this is a project best done on a metal lathe, but I don't have a metal lathe, and don't intend to get one.

 

[d_bondi]

Pretty Cool, and on a wood lathe... WOW!

 

[leehljp]

I love the design and the aluminum and brass!. Looks great.

I used my wood lathe to drill a 3/8" hole through four 1 inch long 5/8" rods this past weekend to use as axle extenders on a yard wagon. Worked fine, but I got a bunch of oily swarf left over that I have to keep cleaning up because small left overs that appear after the last cleaning, over and over.

 

[JohnU]

Your efforts paid off! Like you I don't have a metal lathe and find both brass and aluminum fun to turn on the wood lathe, being softer metals. I like the curves you can provide on a wood lathe vs the straight style cutting on a metal lathe. The only draw back… they sure can turn a buffing wheel black!

 

[Penchant 4]

To test the progress that I have made over the past few weeks I decided to make a Cross style kitless from aluminum and brass on my wood lathe. I started from ½" diam aluminum and brass rod. Clearly, this is a project best done on a metal lathe, but I don't have a metal lathe, and don't intend to get one.

Very nice work.

 

[hokie]

Nice work! Are you worried about galvanic corrosion between the aluminum and brass over time? I understand they generally don't like to be in contact with one another for extended periods of time.

 

[NGLJ]

Nice work! Are you worried about galvanic corrosion between the aluminum and brass over time? I understand they generally don't live to be in contact with one another for extended periods of time.

I think to get appreciable galvanic action you need some persistent moisture. I will be sealing the metals with a protective spray to prevent oxidation, and that should also protect against moisture.

 

[d_bondi]

I think to get appreciable galvanic action you need some persistent moisture. I will be sealing the metals with a protective spray to prevent oxidation, and that should also protect against moisture.

You are correct, the two metals in contact in dry air should not be a problem. Moisture could be an issue. The real issue is if you have consistent water flow in them.