Hi I have been sitting on some cut up metal forgings. They were used as forms to produce aircraft engine parts, and are not out of service and torched into pieces. I have had them for some time as I don't want to just get "steel" money for them. I know they are made up of more than that, alloy of some sort, something more than just steel. but, I don't know what or their worth. Help anyone?:rolleyes:
Have you checked to see if they're aluminum?
When they were whole they were REAL heavy. The pieces are super heavy. That made me think they weren't aluminum. Would I be correct in my assumptions?
I don't know - just something for you to check out. Being real heavy wouldn't necessarily preclude being aluminum, I get boat motor blocks and heads that are mostly cast aluminum and are pretty heavy.
Give it the grinder test, sparks or no sparks,,
I will def check to see if aluminum, thanks. Spark or no spark? Which one means what just so I know? Could they be some type of alloy, compound, or composite?
aluminum does not spark
Those forgings probably wouldn't be steel if they were used for the engines. They would probably a nickel alloy. Best way to find out is ask a scrap yard if they they would take their xrf gun to it (if they have one).
Also, aluminum is not magnetic - just put a magnet up to it. Sorry - that's what I get for assuming that you knew that.
I did not go with the magnet as stainless steel is also non magnetic correct? 8 will ask the people at the scrap yard I use if they have one of those guns, they are kinda small but ya never know. On a side note been ttrying to clear up the "yard" a bit and just scrapped all my stainless yesterday actually and it really wasn't worth all the extra work and effort.
Stainless steel can be non-magnetic, slightly magnetic, or very magnetic. Just depends how much iron is used. There are quite a few different grades of stainless steel.
Ugh, this is why I've been putting off the forgings. Not easy to find an answer!
See if this would help you determine if it's stainless steel or aluminum: http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/showt...ss-or-Aluminum
If it sparks or is magnetic, it's NOT aluminum. After this sorting, you'll need to go by coloring. Can you post a picture?
They could be magnesium cast. The aircraft I worked on in the Air Force had cast magnesium for the compressor, and the reduction gear box.
Be careful trying to make it spark ;)
Lol. This all could seem overwhelming, so start with one suggestion and move on to the next. I'm sure you'll get it!
Nothin prettier than a magnesium fire :eek:Quote:
Be careful trying to make it spark
I've seen one, burnt right through 18 inches of concrete. Nothing you can do except let it burn itself out.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mechanic688
I am gonna take it all in and start with the easiest suggestion and go from there. I am going to take some pictures with my phone and post them. Maybe that will bring even more info from you guys. Definitely gonna be care full of a magnesium fire, that's all I need! Thanks for all the help so far!
If it catches on fire, just don't throw water on it ,,,:eek::eek:Quote:
burnt right through 18 inches of concrete
Or do if you want even nicer fireworks! lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Mechanic688