Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Separating the wheat from the chaff
Gary Evans
>I started experimenting today with making metal powder to use in patching voids and cracks.
I found that a 4" grinder with a cutting wheel works better than a ROS with 40grit paper (bigger chunks and less abrasive residue.) Both methods, however leave some abrasive material in with the powder.
Any suggestions for separating the metal powder from the abrasive particals? I have tried blowing softly, but evidently the abrasive is heaviest.
Thanks,
GE
Try a magnet
BubbaBob
>
Re: Try a magnet
Gary Evans
>Certainly an idea, BubbaBob, but I'm dealing with copper and brass here.
Thanks,
GE
Re: Separating the wheat from the chaff
Phil Joines Krum, Texas
>If you want brass why not take a zip lock bag to a locksmith? They'll usually give you all you want. If the particle size is too large pick up a cheap coffie grinder ($15) and a sifter.
Re: Separating the wheat from the chaff
Gary Evans
>Hi Phil,
I thought about a locksmith, but I was stuck at home till we get my son's truck fixed (long story), so I was experimenting with what I had at hand.
I particularly liked the copper powder that I made from that piece of 3/4" pipe and used it on the Bradford Pear bowl that instigated the whole mess. I don't think that the grinding wheel residue will show up in the patch.
I just thought perhaps someone else had been down the same trail and had some great way to separate similarly sized particles of different color.
Thanks,
GE
How about using a Bastard...
Jay in Ohio
>file, or first cut? Second cut if you need it real fine like powder. Just as fast as a grinder or ROS. No residue, and you might get a very small workout.
~Jay
...take out the "1" for email.