Milling Machine Handle

rock_breaker

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I want to make a phenolic handle for my machine and am looking at an advertisement for 33mm x 330mm Bakelite phenolic rod. Does this stuff turn well? There is some 1" dia by 4' nylon at near the same price and by my calculations 4 times more nylon. I have turned 0.75" phenolic rod with little problem but want a larger handle in this case. Is the Bakelite too brittle? All help will be appreciated.
Ray
 
Get something pretty, use it. Unless you're prone to beating on your machines, it'll last.
 
Get something pretty, use it. Unless you're prone to beating on your machines, it'll last.
Thanks Tom, You have opened up a real challenge. Not being prone to beating on handles I do like clear material with auburn waves floating in it and a few silver chips. The search is on.
 
Black Delrin may not be pretty, but it is nice to machine and is appropriate for the use.
 
Black Delrin may not be pretty, but it is nice to machine and is appropriate for the use.
Actually what I was thinking about, but am open to alternatives. One problem is that we seem to have fallen back into the "mail order" concept.
Have a good day
Ray
 
Are you talking about the bat handle part. That is usually made out of steel/brass and chrome/ nickel plated. And the bat handle part can spin or be fixed. I treat the handles on my machines like the jewelry. Nothing but the finest handles! No plastic. No wobbling handles either, must turn true.

I have made stuff out of the round stock phenolic from China. It’s OK. The material is rapped about the circumference. The sheet goods have the material of course in the flat. For what I’m doing, I stopped using the round stuff and went to the sheets.
 
What about doing some custom colored/clear 2 part poly Epoxy castings that can be milled to spec? Either do ruff copies of the handles you currently have or cast blocks the sizes you need and have fun!
 
Hi guys, I sprung for 1" black phenolic for the X axis so I could get the mill ready for display asap. I am not familiar with casting epoxies but believe what you describe would lead to some attractive lathe and mill appearances.
Have a good day
Ray
 
Bakelite and phenolics are developed as electrical insulators. Both are cast or sheeted in place. They can be machined but any internal threads are iffy. And both are very dusty and stink to high heaven while they are being worked. And finishing/polishing is nearly impossible to restore the original color. My choice would be a good brass with a high polish or;
What about doing some custom colored/clear 2 part poly Epoxy castings that can be milled to spec? Either do ruff copies of the handles you currently have or cast blocks the sizes you need and have fun!
Either one would look "better" and be stronger in the long run.

.
 
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