Graphite piston help

[derwood]

I am going to order some 4in. graphite bar stock from Aerocon systems. I don't know if I should get the fine or medium grade. Also any tips on machining would help. What type of lathe bit is best?

http://aeroconsystems.com/cart/graphite-rods/

Thanks All,

[Ian S C]

I'm only guesing, but I'd go for the fine grade, I think I'd use a SHARP HSS* tool, take it down till it just about fits. To get to finish size, take a strip of paper and hold that around the piston while it rotates in the lathe, (imagine a pencil on paper), just keep changing the paper as it gets loaded. Keep the vacuum cleaner handy, your in for a black mess. *carbide will be OK. Ian S C

[derwood]

Thanks for the advice Ian.

[Geoff V]

Derwood

Try the following link for turning graphite.

http://www.substech.com/dokuwiki/doku.p ... and_carbon

GeoffV