I want to make a handle for an old tool - an arc "engraver" or marker - the tip gets hot (of course) and has destroyed much of the original bakelite handle - so, applying modern materials seems like a great idea - and machinable creamics come to mind - but buying the stuff new is both expensive and due to minimum orders, I get more than I need - anyone have a scrap about an inch in diameter and maybe 4 inches long (tubing is ok too), or a suggestion on an alternative less expensive material to use?
anyone have a srap of machinable creamic?
Sep 19, 2006
4 Replies
First reply
Natural materials might do; soapstone and pyrophyllite are both machinable minerals, and might be available at arts supply outlets. We always used carbide lathe tools and HSS steel bits for pyrophyllite.
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Natural materials might do; soapstone and pyrophyllite are both machinable minerals, and might be available at arts supply outlets.
We always used carbide lathe tools and HSS steel bits for pyrophyllite.
--How about Corian; i.e. the stuff used for expensive kitchen countertops? Go to a shop that does fabrication and look in the scrap bin. I've heard of folks using the stuff for homemade spark plugs, so it can probably take the heat. Because it's a composite (epoxy and ground stone, IIRC) it can be machined, too.
Alumina ceramic is usually used for this purpose. I have some, the right size also, but right now it is not available due to strange circumstances (too stupid to go into detail). Inquire around Nov 1.
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You could make one out of clay and then try going to the local Junior College and paying a ceramics student $20 fire it. Or just make it out of JB weld, -- I'd guess is that if bakelite lasted for this long, then JB weld would last at least as long. As far as I know (and please correct me if I'm wrong) Bakelite isn't especially heat resistant, at least not more than JB Weld.
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