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Posted by Harold and Susan Vordos on January 25, 2008, 1:24 am
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> On Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:31:08 -0800 (PST), meredith.weinstein@gmail.com
> wrote:
>
>>I am trying to thread a 3/8" diameter Tungsten metal rod on the
>>lathe. I have already killed a WC tipped thread tool. Anyone have
>>any recommendations on the proper tooling for threading this difficult
>>to machine metal?
>
> One of the finest machinists I've ever had the privilege to work with
> worked for one of my customers - a place that processes refractory
> metals, including machining tungsten. He told me that he did single
> point a thread on a pure W rod once, as a stunt. As I recall, he said
> he had to resharpen a carbide tool after every couple passes. I know
> that they used to use trichlor for coolant, and the older guys there
> get kind of misty-eyed when they talk about how great it was for
> cutting tungsten.
>
> As far as I know, if threads are required in pure tungsten, grinding
> is the preferred way to cut them.
>
> --
> Ned Simmons
I'd agree that grinding would be the preferred method, but they can be
single pointed. I ran an order of balance screws for one of my customers,
years ago. They were made of tungsten and had to be threaded to some
non-standard sized 80 pitch thread. I recall that I spent a great deal of
time at the grinder, but I managed to turn out the entire lot with care.
I'm sure that the fine thread was to my advantage.
I've machined tungsten for other applications as well. It is tough on tools,
but machines reasonably well. I'd suggest a C2 grade of carbide, and lots
of patience.
Harold
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> wrote:
>