Making a torch

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by Michael Gilligan on 18/12/2018 12:55:37:

Posted by Sam Longley 1 on 18/12/2018 10:42:21:

The Aeries self steering is alumnium & is 40 years old. It is anodised. The torch will not get wet so I am not worried about it being aluminium. thanks.

But, that being said, what would you suggest as an alternative that is easy to machine , turn, thread & mill flats on etc?

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My thoughts [at opposite ends of the tradition scale] had turned to 'Admiralty Bronze' and to 'Engineering Plastics' … but if you have a proven grade of aluminium available, that's fine.

An interesting project

MichaelG.

6061 is good for marine use – scuba tanks and yacht hulls are fairly critical applications.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 18/12/2018 13:07:28:

6061 is good for marine use – scuba tanks and yacht hulls are fairly critical applications.

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Yes … That's what I meant by thinking twice

i.e. don't just choose whatever 'Aluminium' comes readily to hand.

MichaelG.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Sam,

I think the charging arrangement for your torch might merit some design effort

A nicely engineered 'dock' would keep things tidy.

MichaelG.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Problem with 6061 for Sam is it is not that common in Europe, not so hard to find in the US. Just as well that 6082 is about the same as far as corrosion resistance and that is probably going to be the most likely spec of any odd bar you have to hand as it is the old HE30 and what just about every e-bay seller lists for round bar.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

This may be of interest: **LINK**

Aluminium 6000 Series

[quote]

It is however worth noting that for applications where saltwater is present, that the 5XXX series grades (such as 5754, 5083 & 5251) perform better.

[/quote]

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MichaelG.

[Sam Longley 1Participant @samlongley1]

I am going to use the aluminium rudder stock from my boat. I lost my rudder when I ran aground near the Kessock bridge in the Morray Firth when sailing SH round UK. I saved the old stock which had been in the boat for 12 years without corrosion & is tapered 35-80 diam & is 2.4 m long.

It is obviously a structural grade but I have not tried machining any of it yet . I just wanted a project that was different & being able to carry about, use & say Yeah! "I made this" You cannot do that with models

So I had not got to considering what grade, only using what I had . But now I am in a quandry. I may experiment with some offcuts & see how it machines first. I am not worried about corrosion, The boat does not get that wet & i can always put the torch in my pocket. Will not make it too big ( first time round anyway)

Edited By Sam Longley 1 on 18/12/2018 14:29:52

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