PTFE Rod

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PTFE Rod

This topic has 11 replies, 11 voices, and was last updated 3 March 2021 at 22:24 by Martin Dowing.

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22 February 2021 at 12:36 #529333
Vic
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@vic
I’ve got to make some small parts from some 8mm PTFE rod. I’ve not machined this stuff for years. Luckily no turning needed just facing, drilling and parting. I’m guessing a very sharp HSS knife tool will be best for the facing?
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22 February 2021 at 12:36 #30112
Vic
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@vic
22 February 2021 at 14:02 #529344
Tony Pratt 1
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@tonypratt1
Yes a sharp tool is best for PTFE.

Tony
22 February 2021 at 17:31 #529390
Emgee
Participant
@emgee
I have found a HSS ground to suit aluminium works well with PTFE and other plastics, when using insert type tools the same applies, the polished inserts designed for aluminium work for me.

Emgee
22 February 2021 at 18:00 #529396
Martin Connelly
Participant
@martinconnelly55370
I've just finished some parts for someone who gave me some nylon plate for the material. Very very sharp tools work but the slightest wear and it was like machining toffee.

Martin
22 February 2021 at 18:39 #529402
Hillclimber
Participant
@hillclimber
I have recently turned both ptfe and nylon 6 spacers/ washers. Agree completely with Emgee comments on sharp HSS/ CCGT type inserts. And keep the speed up.

PTFE was easy, the nylon just looked a bit more inclined to build on the cutting edge but never did….

Cheers, Colin
22 February 2021 at 20:03 #529414
Jon Lawes
Participant
@jonlawes51698
I recently saw a tip for working such material; it you are machining it down to 10mm (for example) then a quick cut with a hacksaw along the length of the rod almost to the machined depth will mean the swarf forms short pieces rather than one long mess which clags itself around tools and such.
22 February 2021 at 21:12 #529428
bernard towers
Participant
@bernardtowers37738
That’s a good tip!
22 February 2021 at 21:39 #529433
Mark Rea
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@markrea67084
Wear a mask whilst machining PTFE. The dust is no good for you at all.
22 February 2021 at 23:56 #529459
duncan webster 1
Participant
@duncanwebster1
And don't smoke, burning ptfe gives of poisonous fumes.
26 February 2021 at 18:33 #530372
peter smith 5
Participant
@petersmith5
Connect your hoover so that the swarf and fumes gets sucked up the tube and not your nose.

pete
3 March 2021 at 22:24 #531530
Martin Dowing
Participant
@martindowing58466
Posted by Mark Rea on 22/02/2021 21:39:05:

Wear a mask whilst machining PTFE. The dust is no good for you at all.

Dust like dust – not good but not very dangerous either.

What *is* important is to avoid smoking while machining PTFE.

Dust go to cigaret, undergo thermal depolymerization and very toxic gas known as perfluoroisobutene is formed.

It is about an order of magniude more toxic than phosgene, and even very small quantities can make one very sick or kill.

Canaries are dying in kitchens where housewives are carelessly using PTFE coated frying pans for a good reason.

Martin
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