[TheForge] Re:forging aluminum

Mon Oct 7 17:03:02 2002

Let me add that aluminum is revolting to work.  A very "dirty" metal.  =
Ick.

You're welcome.

	-Andy

-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Freeman [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, October 07, 2002 1:37 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [TheForge] Re:forging aluminum

Aluminum can be forged very nicely, but be aware of a few things:
1) It conducts heat like mad.  Tongs are essential.
2) It's forging temperature is below a visible heat.  Use a piece of =
wood (pine, or what have you) as a "crayon" ? when it marks black, the =
metal is hot enough.  To hot, you'll crumble the piece ? or melt it!

Any two different metals brought into imtimate (electrical) contact can =
galvanically corrode when wet.  This is usually a problem only if the =
metals are significantly different.  E.g., steel and cast iron can be =
considered the same metal.  Aluminum forms a highly protective surface =
oxide, so may NOT be a problem, despite its very high activity.  To be =
on the safe side, don't let metals touch (make electrical contact) if =
they're likely to be in a wet environment.  For example, join all =
alluminum parts together with aluminum rivets or screws.  Where aluminum =
is to be joined to steel or bronze, drill and oversized hole and put a =
sleeve around the steel or bronze screw. =20

Bruce
NJ

>>> "thermoss" <[email protected]> 10/07/02 06:31PM >>>
I am in the process of designing a trellis in a art deco style .In order =
to
cut down on weight I am thinking of using aluminum any tips on forging
aluminum? I am thinking of just light surface treatment basically .
I've never really hammered allum.  heat or no heat? if I use brass or =
bronze
as an accent is there a reaction between the metals I should be aware =
of?
thanks.
.

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