Thread: Brass powder???

Try here:
http://www.metalpowders.com.au/

juvy

Hi. Here is another possibility for separating brass and aluminum. Aluminum is quite soluble in strong alkaline solutions. I might suggest making a solution of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or washing soda (sodium carbonate) and soaking the mixture in it. Cautions - the aluminum will be quite reactive, giving off heat and hydrogen gas. Do this outdoors, use a non reactive container, such as glass or ceramic, wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
A stronger alkali, such as lye, would work better, but the reaction would probably be out of control, and the lye is more dangerous to people, though the soap makers use it all the time.
It might be necessary to clean up the brass afterwards with a mild acid.

I have not tried this myself, but intend to do so soon. My suggestion comes from chemical knowledge ( my profession), so I am sure it will work. If you try, do be aware of the safety precautions, and start with a very small amount, only a few grams.
Incidentally, there is a comercial drain cleaner that uses lye mixed with aluminum powder. When it gets wet in the drain, it releases hydogen gas which helps it foam and break up the clog.

I have been reading this forum for a few weeks and am happy to now be a member.

Doc Ron

what about using glitter?

Here are a couple pix of brass filling obtained from the local hardware store's key cutter, a mix of brass and aluminum, most likely. I turned in a shallow groove, poured in the powder, then added thin CA. Back on the lathe, turn, scrape, sand, and polish. Detail shows the rough texture. The fellow at the hardware said " Looks like an old brass casting" I think it might work better artistically on a more rustic piece (?) . Wood is black walnut from a 150 year old barn, oil finish, each about 15 cm. diameter.

I think it will be worthwhile to check out some of the other sources mentioned in this thread. Nearest powder coater is 50 min drive away, but we have some art and craft supply stores locally.

Doc Ron

I like it. I think you're right when you say it'd be more suitable to rustic items, but then again, a lot of my work turns out to be rustic, even if it wasn't planned that way.

The photos don't really show whether you can pick the aluminium in the swarf, is it particularly noticable? I guess I'll have to give it a try...

Just trying my first picture red cedar cap with brass powder.

Cheers Tony

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

I like it. I think you're right when you say it'd be more suitable to rustic items, but then again, a lot of my work turns out to be rustic, even if it wasn't planned that way.

The photos don't really show whether you can pick the aluminium in the swarf, is it particularly noticable? I guess I'll have to give it a try...

Thanks.
Can't really distinguish the aluminum, overall appearance just a bit silvery rather than really brassy.
Doc Ron

Hi Guys
Husband of keju, I see in one her previous posts she has given you the addy that we get our powder from, when I use the brass, bronz, copper or tin powder I generally use it with either casting resin a lot of people use it with west system glue a much better and way more expensive type of glue, usually mixed in a 30 mm shot glass general usage is 4 teaspoons per 30 mm shot glass, I might add either system does not like temperatures below 18 deg celsius, so if your going to use below 18 deg put the shot glass in a saucer of hot water to warm it up it makes it more plyable and easier to use, after you pour it into or onto whatever your making tap the object on a bench for a while this brings out all the air bubbles and makes your finished item look good without all those nasty little air bubbles and whatever metal you use it is easy too turn and sand with ease with ordinary cloth backed Hermes J Flex sandpaper and when you have done that you can get an even better finish using OO & OOOO steel wool, have fun experimenting I know I did
Ken (the downtrodden hubby)

Here are a couple pix of brass filling obtained from the local hardware store's key cutter, a mix of brass and aluminum, most likely. I turned in a shallow groove, poured in the powder, then added thin CA. Back on the lathe, turn, scrape, sand, and polish. Detail shows the rough texture. The fellow at the hardware said " Looks like an old brass casting" I think it might work better artistically on a more rustic piece (?) . Wood is black walnut from a 150 year old barn, oil finish, each about 15 cm. diameter.

Doc, I agree with the Wood whisperer. Damn nice finish, very effective. So much so its got me thinking about getting some. hughie