julianf
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- devon, uk
The alloy that I use for work is sold as 5005, but comes up as 6005 on an XF gun, so it's probably actually 6005!
I buy it as pre anodized sheet. The anodizing is a cosmetically clean hard surface.
I have tried melting it to ingots and turning it on the lathe, and it seems to be slightly more gummy than when I mill it fresh, but that could well be down to the fact that I'm not a skilled turner at all.
But...
The finish isn't that nice. It seems to mark way easier than it's original anodized sheet (as you would expect, of course)
My original plan was to shot blast the surface to get a peened finish, but Google tells me that 6005 will not work harden.
So, my only other option to cleaning up the surface is to anodize. I don't need to change the colour - natural anodized is fine, but...
At home, on a DIY level, am I going to be actually change the hardness / cosmetic finish of the objects that much?
I'm looking at solid blocks ranging in size from a tin of beans to a half baguette. I've not worked out the surface area, but the question is more on the concept of hardening up the surface with anodizing, rather than the ability to do it on the size.
Again, I'm not fussed on colour change. I just want a nice surface finish that's semi resistant to scratching, and won't stain. Basically approaching the anodized finish that the stock has before I turn it into offcuts, melt it, and reform it.
My alternative option is to give up on the 6005 (which I have a lot of) and just acquire a proper casting alloy like wheel rims and cylinder heads.
Thank you
I buy it as pre anodized sheet. The anodizing is a cosmetically clean hard surface.
I have tried melting it to ingots and turning it on the lathe, and it seems to be slightly more gummy than when I mill it fresh, but that could well be down to the fact that I'm not a skilled turner at all.
But...
The finish isn't that nice. It seems to mark way easier than it's original anodized sheet (as you would expect, of course)
My original plan was to shot blast the surface to get a peened finish, but Google tells me that 6005 will not work harden.
So, my only other option to cleaning up the surface is to anodize. I don't need to change the colour - natural anodized is fine, but...
At home, on a DIY level, am I going to be actually change the hardness / cosmetic finish of the objects that much?
I'm looking at solid blocks ranging in size from a tin of beans to a half baguette. I've not worked out the surface area, but the question is more on the concept of hardening up the surface with anodizing, rather than the ability to do it on the size.
Again, I'm not fussed on colour change. I just want a nice surface finish that's semi resistant to scratching, and won't stain. Basically approaching the anodized finish that the stock has before I turn it into offcuts, melt it, and reform it.
My alternative option is to give up on the 6005 (which I have a lot of) and just acquire a proper casting alloy like wheel rims and cylinder heads.
Thank you
