Steel Filings--Any uses for these?

J

JPhipps

Joined
Sep 23, 2006
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19
I have a bunch of 5160 filings that I've been saving as opposed to throwing in the trash. I thought there might be a use for them, but have nothing I can use them for. Any ideas? I guess I could recycle them if nothing else.

Could you use this for coloring & patterns on the surface of a hot billet? I'm thinking they would disintegrate from the heat. Speaking of that I also have a bunch of small chunks too. I doubt you could make a pattern though; I've never tried before.

They're the consistancy of steel wool broken up, some of it is powder.


Thanks, & have a good New Year to all.
 
I use it for coffee flavoring... keeps me mean!
:D:D:D:D


...just kidding, of course. I can't really see a use for the stuff, other than to see how big a pile you could make of it!
 
Not that I have gotten that far, but I'm planing on using tool steel scraps packed in a can with steel fillings filling the space to make a Damascus billet.
 
I am thinking about putting mine into some epoxy to do some inlay work. Haven't tried it yet though but will let you know how it turns out when I do!
 
make some mycarta handle scales.
 
You might consider mixing a few cups per 10 pounds of concrete mix/quick set. Talk about some hard stuff!
 
i wonder if it could be mixed with a castable refractory to prevent chiping and cracking.
 
You could try resmelting. I saw something on U-Tube about making a flu-furnace and layering iron powder with charcoal. They raked out the slag and ash and ended up with a lump of forgable steel. Some one may remember the link and post.

Jim L.
 
i think that it would be neat with motorcycle chain in a billet.

Or you could make handmade soaps and put a scoop in to be abrasive with, scented with jasmine and lavender...

If you weave it into yarn, it would be the knitty gritty... :D
 
When My kids were little I would sweep up the metal filling off the the floor under my belt sander. I would sprinkle them into the charcoal forge when it was running. It made an impressive site to the kids. I would do it at night the charcoal was already a bit sparkly as it ppped and cracked but they got real excited when I sprinkled in the fillings.

If the kids are happy the wifeis happy and you know how that is going to make you feel. It looses its wow after a few goes. But space it out over a couple of years.
 
Melt 2 parts sodium nitrate and one part sulfur in a crucible, over low heat (outdoors and away from any flammables).Add a tiny bit of charcoal (1/10 part),then add the steel filings to make a thick dough. Smear/roll it on pieces of 1/8" welding rod, and let harden. It will make giant sparklers. Don't add too muck charcoal or you will have gunpowder.

CAVEAT: This is for information purposes only. Anyone doing this should have a thorough knowledge of the procedures described and the materials used.

Translated into knifemakers's lingo : If you blow your ass up doing this, Don't come cryin' to me.

Stacy
 
Well, thanks for all the creative replys! I think I'll make the worlds largest pile of filings. Some of the ideas sound pretty cool too.
 
It might make a good abrasive material for a tumbler, if you wanted to tumble some soft materials in a jewellry tumbler. I seem to remember something about steel shot being used, but you might get an interesting finish off of your material that you have. You would probably have to use a liquid or water with it, though.
 
im milling some cpm10v and the sparklers sound fun i have lots of chips and since i use kool tool its not oily
 
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