[l u k e]

I know this is not even close to being the right forum, but I didn't see one it would fit in and this is the place I go everyday.

Anyway does anyone know of a forum or a place I can get information on building a metal-spinning machine? I've done extensive searches but couldn't find anything.

Any help would be much appreciated.


Sorry for the trouble guys, I found what I was looking for. I would delete this post but it is not allowed here...

[keebler303]

how much do you know already?
its pretty much just a lathe with some different fixturing.

C'mon third hit on google (nuts)
Home made metal spinning lathe
http://aardvark.co.nz/pjet/spinning1.shtml

tons of info and bunch of links here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_spinning

Happy Reading
Matt

[l u k e]

Sorry man, I did a diffrent search and found a bunch of info, 5 minutes after I posted this!

[matsuura]

Look at this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_spinning

[l u k e]

Just joined a spinning forum.

I need to build a machine large enough to spin motorcycle finders.

[Geof]

Just joined a spinning forum.

I need to build a machine large enough to spin motorcycle finders.

Rather than building why not look into getting a big old manual lathe. Metal spinning uses much greater forces than metal cutting. Whatever you build will have to be heavy and strong and you might be able to get an existing machine for scrap value

[l u k e]

That's not a bad idea, but I wouldn't know where to begin. (?) I live in Arizona...

[keebler303]

auctions, plant closings, some big industrial places will just throw out stuff like this, just need to be at the right place at the right time.

Matt

[jackson]

Yeah Geof is wright a manual lathe we use to do some big flow nozzles and we rolled them using a homade system and a lot of sweat and leverage ofcourse these were like 20" od 10"or better long

[skullworks]

I'm not sure whois mother I insulted, but I have been task with running a M&M spinner all day long now...

Will upload pics if I can find my camera.

[l u k e]

Love to see some pictures!

[skullworks]

Here is a Pic of the M&M spinner I run.

The pic does not give you a good feel for the size of this machine. The chuck is a 12 Inch with 4 1/8" thru the draw tube.

Second pic shows raw matl.

[Gregted]

Hey Luke,

Just found this link and was wondering how you went with your spinning?

I wouldn't mind trying this on my wood lathe for the experience.

Any advice?

Greg

[l u k e]

I never got around to doing anything with spinning just ended up hammering out the parts I needed. I would still love to find a machine to do this though, that is, if I ever had the shop space to add another machine.

[Geof]

....I wouldn't mind trying this on my wood lathe for the experience....

Just Google 'wood lathe metal spinning'

You will not be able to do anything really thick and heavy but bowls spun out of copper or some aluminum alloys are quite feasible, steel less so unless it is a very sturdy lathe.



Here is one: http://www.mini-lathe.com/mtl_spn/mspn.htm

[Gregted]

Thanks Geof and Luke,

I have seen that video but was hoping to catch up with someone who has done this on a forum somewhere for some first hand knowledge and the shortcuts that come from experience.

I picked up some thin al and stainless sheet from the local scrap metal yard today and found this site,
spinning,
looks like a scan from a very old booklet with lots of useful info, so might have a go this weekend.

Its all about the journey, right.
Let you know how it turns out.
Watch this space.
Greg

[keebler303]

Greg

You need soft aluminum for spinning. If it's heat treated you are not gonna have much success. I'd guess that aluminum sheet "from the local scrap yard" is not what you want.

I'd recommend 3003 as the alloy to start with.

Matt

[rocketflier]

That's not a bad idea, but I wouldn't know where to begin. (?) I live in Arizona...

http://www.valley-metal.org/
valleymetal : Phoenix Area Home Shop Machinists

[Gregted]

Thanks Matt,

I have done some reading on annealing aluminium. Seems too simple. Rub with ordinary soap and heat till the soap goes black. Is this what I need to do with my $1 sheet or do you think it is just the wrong type of al?

Greg

[Geof]

Annealing a piece of sheet aluminum is not easy because it is difficult to heat it evenly and often it will warp due to the uneven heating. But it may not be needed, your piece may be soft enough. If it is thin enough and soft enough to spin you will be able to bend a corner very easily with just a pair of pliers. If you have to really put in a lot of effort and/or the material cracks with a sharp bend then it is not suitable for spinning.

I suppose if it is too hard and you have a self-cleaning kitchen oven you could stick it in the oven during the cleaning cycle. That is just about hot enough to anneal most alloys.