WD-40 aluminum finish lathe work

cb1

Cast Iron

Joined

Jul 16, 2015

• Jan 12, 2022

• #1

I have been using WD-40 for cutting aluminum on my 1941 SB9. I like it alot. My setup is probably suspect, but I have to get some items in order and then we start the shop cleanup. LOL..

Pics for your enjoyment,

Carl

 

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texasgeartrain

Titanium

Joined

Feb 23, 2016

Location

Houston, TX

• Jan 12, 2022

• #2

By coincidence a couple guys recommended it for aluminum in this thread as well, and pretty good reading:
The heresy of cutting oil?

 

MilGunsmith

Stainless

Joined

Mar 6, 2006

Location

Sandyston, NJ

• Jan 13, 2022

• #3

The old books recommended kerosene for aluminum. WD-40 is very similar in its makeup. I have used it for aluminum for over 40 years.

 

G

gustafson

Diamond

Joined

Sep 4, 2002

Location

People's Republic

• Jan 13, 2022

• #4

I wouldn't think twice about using kero or wd in a casual manner, like the bottle is close at hand

Using it a lot will lead to breathing issues. That white smoke, you are breathing that all in and it aint good

 

C

chipss

Cast Iron

Joined

Jul 19, 2020

• Jan 13, 2022

• #5

Spin the aluminum as fast as that little SB can go. Actually for diameters you show it would like 2x what that SB can turn. Add a rounded nose tool and it'll be almost perfect. I rarely use any lube on aluminum other than threading it.

 

cb1

Cast Iron

Joined

Jul 16, 2015

• Jan 13, 2022

• #6

I was on the second pulley, LOL. I will give it a go on the third one and see what happens. I a have another piece I have to do.

Thanks,

Carl

 

C

chipss

Cast Iron

Joined

Jul 19, 2020

• Jan 16, 2022

• #7

CB, for a grin I spun a piece of 2 1/4" aluminum in my 9"SB at max revs. 1,100 with the slowest feed it produced this finish with an aluminum insert as you use. Seems about the same finish as you have.

 

cb1

Cast Iron

Joined

Jul 16, 2015

• Jan 20, 2022

• #8

I tried spinning on in 3rd gear (pulley) today and I ain't got enough power to cut another piece like above. LOL. Not sure what motor is on my 9, but its probably a 1/4 hp, and it looks like a 80's blower fan motor and used a wall switch like in your home. That's how I got it.

I did buy a vintage motor for it a couple years ago that came with a period correct drum switch. I think that one is a 1/2 horsepower. I need to put that one on and see what happens.

Thanks,

Carl

 

W

wood2steel

Cast Iron

Joined

May 17, 2013

Location

georgia

• Jan 21, 2022

• #9

Concerns about breathing WD smoke;
heck, I'm starting to worry more about you guys smoking those SB spindle bearings!!
Btw--don't worry about the Shop clutter; we never look past the machines! Lol!

 

C

CalG

Diamond

Joined

Dec 30, 2008

Location

Vt USA

• Jan 21, 2022

• #10

wd-40 is stoddard solvent

Mineral spirits works as well, it just doesn't come in high priced spray cans.

Kerosene is my choice for turning alu..

 

M

mattthemuppet

Stainless

Joined

Apr 22, 2016

Location

San Antonio

• Jan 28, 2022

• #11

I use kerosene too, lots cheaper than WD40 and seems to work just the same. Doesn't smell as nice though I even once used WD40 as an aftershave, ladies seemed to love it (I think).

 

C

CarbideBob

Diamond

Joined

Jan 14, 2007

Location

Flushing/Flint, Michigan

• Jan 28, 2022

• #12

mattthemuppet said:

....I even once used WD40 as an aftershave, ladies seemed to love it (I think).

Click to expand...

Oh my......Is this like loving the smell of napalm in the morning?

 

M

mattthemuppet

Stainless

Joined

Apr 22, 2016

Location

San Antonio

• Jan 29, 2022

• #13

Well maybe ladies plural is stretching it a bit and one of them was my mum trying to be nice so...

 

D

dullvinci

Cast Iron

Joined

Aug 26, 2004

Location

Fla

• Jan 30, 2022

• #14

In my experience WD40 does indeed work just fine on aluminum with one caution. The...if a little is good then a lot must be better... tendency should be avoided, unless you don't mind cleaning up a sticky mess after every aluminum turning job.