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| How to machine PTFE ? |
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| awemawson:
I need to make a PTFE bush that seals the coolant port on my Traub lathe tool turret. I've never machined PTFE so would appreciate any advice from those who have. I would imagine it needs very sharp tools, but that's just a guess. Fortunately I have a drawing of the bush |
| Pete W.:
Hi there, Andrew, Do you already have the PTFE you intend to use or do you still need to procure it? I ask because there are (I believe) grades of filled PTFE that preserve the non-slip qualities but are rigid enough to stay put when the cutting tool approaches. I can't supply chapter and verse regarding grades and specification numbers, I'm afraid. The other thing I remember about turning PTFE is that smoking a cigarette while turning was reckoned to be a big NO-NO, exposing the PTFE swarf to high temperatures (like the end of the cigarette that's on fire) releases toxic fumes. In any case, I hope you're a non-smoker but if you're not, don't smoke and turn at the same time. If you're going to turn the PTFE bush on the Traub, I suppose it'd be OK to smoke while you're watching progress through the windows. |
| Stilldrillin:
Andrew. Back in 2009, I made some 5/16" dia. PTFE pistons, for a Special Mamod steam engine I had built. The 10mm dia stick, machined just like hard soap. Sharp, normal shaped tools. Plenty of revs. Easy to take off, a thou', if needed...... They're still doing the job. Now, in Australia. :thumbup: David D |
| awemawson:
Pete: No, not got the ptfe yet - I will probably wait until I've pulled the original one out as I might get a clue as to type. Fear not I'm not a smoker. This will have to be manually turned rather than on the CNC, as getting the original out stops me turning the tool turret. David: That's very encouraging - I had visions of it's lubricity causing all sorts of issues. I've not totally committed to replacing it yet - the leak isn't that bad unless I'm using high pressure coolant, which is rarely necessary. |
| Arbalist:
PTFE is quite soft and I've found not too dimensionally stable, although for your application it may be ok. Ertalyte TX is pretty good stuff and machines very nicely. http://www.theplasticshop.co.uk/ertalyte-index.html |
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