Thanks everyone :innocent:
I feel exactly that way when some of these guys talk about building drivers or writing code :laughing:
It’s not the first time I’ve cut ti. However this time I did need to replace some index bits and resharpen drill bits and HSS bits. I didn’t realize they were dull when cutting aluminium but ti is much less forgiving. When the bit is sharp and used correctly (height, angle etc…) then it cuts quite nicely. It is a must to use lots of lube. Aluminium cuts better with lube but ti needs the lube to keep it cool. I did like Dale and started a fire at one point. Didn’t ruin anything but I was definitely surprised when it happened. I do like using ti because it has helped me learn when I’ve got it right. Roughing out is slower but not by a lot (in my experience).
I don’t think I have the patience to wait for natural patina so I’ll look into forced patina. From memory some guys were using dishwashing liquid to bring it out??
My initial thought on the grooves was to mount the complete host in the lathe to groove the body and tail so they all lined up perfectly with the head grooves. I kinda forgot that when I was making the tail. At the time I made the tail I thought “I can cut the grooves now while the part is perfectly concentric”. I may be able to shave a little off the tube threads to try and line up the grooves, we’ll see.
I did the cooling fins with a 2.3mm HSS parting tool. Had to give it a quick touch on the grinder to keep it sharp but otherwise was no problem.
Cheers 