What type of materials can it cut

Postby tbaxter on 03 Dec 2008 09:10

What type of materials can the Taig lathe cut, I need to make some 3/8 stainless steel rods turned down to 1/4 x 1/2 on the front and cutoff. Will the Taig be able to handle Stainless 316

tbaxter



Re: What type of materials can it cut

Postby DaveDu on 04 Dec 2008 09:56

I am by no means an expert, but I believe it can cut stainless steel ok. I have read of people cutting titanium with Taigs. You might need a carbide cutting bit. Make sure you keep the bit close to the tool holder, and the workpiece as close to the chuck as possible, and everything tight. Then you should have no problems. You might have to experiment with speeds to get the best cuts. You might need cutting fluid to get the best finish also, but you should be able to get by without it.

I have used the Taig lathe to cut stainless and titanium. But be aware, that there are many grades of stainless with vastly different properties. 303 is very soft and easy to cut. Almost no issue with work hardening. 304 is nasty. It work hardens very easy so that if you only take a little cut the next pass is very difficult. For stainless you will want to use cobalt or carbide cutters and definitely some type of cutting fluid.

Tim
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