Introduction to Metal Spinning Tools

This is a brief overview of the basic tools used in metal spinning. Thanks for watching. Don’t forget to subscribe and share with anyone you think might be interested! Directed by Umut Demirgüç Thurman.
Further online resources of mine:
www.jamesthurman.com/
www.thurmanite.com/
www.ujdesignstudios.com/
/ jamesathurman
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment purposes only. When using any tool or machinery, always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Please work safely and carefully.

[@jessicairish9182]

My father was a metal spinner for 30 years. Started in 1978, and did it until the day he died.

[@JamesThurman]

I’m hoping to inspire more people to learn how amazing spinning is! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheMoonlightCraftsman]

Been very interested in getting started in metal spinning.

[@JamesThurman]

So great to hear! I'm happy to help you in any way I can. Let me know any videos you would like to see in the future too...

[@TheMoonlightCraftsman]

@@JamesThurman thanks will do. Is a woodworking Leis like the Powermatic short bed PM 2020 Acceptable for turning metal?

[@JamesThurman]

@@TheMoonlightCraftsman Yes, absolutely (I assume you mean metal spinning not "turning" which implies machining the metal...). Good strong 3HP motor, very good lathe overall.

[@jadenkutz]

@@JamesThurman yep I meant spinning. Cool thanks

[@PTinvest]

How to calculate sheet metal shape of the mould depending thickness and rotation speed and of tools

[@JamesThurman]

I'm not sure I understand your question exactly. Are you asking how to determine the diameter of the blank disk based on the finished spun piece? As a general rule, the blank's diameter equals the finished depth plus diameter but that assumes the wall thickness remains the same (which doesn't always happen, especially for less experienced spinners). Does that help?

[@andrewsligh766]

Hey James! Fantastic video. I’m curious as to the specs of the lathe that you use. I currently have access to a metal lathe, but I’m unsure if that would be as suited towards metal spinning. What would you recommend?

[@JamesThurman]

Thanks! I have a Woodfast M408 lathe with a 1.5HP Leeson Motor. Generally, I recommend woodturning lathes over machining lathes but you could make the tooling to do spinning but I think it will be more frustrating than its worth. Even a mini-lathe for woodturning will work for smaller spinnings.

[@efdgoon]

Thanks James for the videos. I'm inspired to give metal spinning a try. Where can I purchase discs? I'd like to try aluminum and copper. Maybe even brass if I feel it's going well. I've been a wood turner for years and I did spin metal is 8th grade shop class a long time ago. Finding a trusted supplier would be helpful. Thanks, Jeff

[@JamesThurman]

Unfortunately, there is not a reliable supplier of metal disks. I did a video on ways to cut your own. Sometimes I find a bunch on eBay/Etsy. Most spinning shops have their own disk cutters and there usually isn't the demand for metal suppliers to stock disks (versus regular sheets). For example, this is all that this supplier stocks: parawire.com/cbc-metal-supply/metal-discs/

[@timothyjakoyo7818]

Hello, can wood lathe be used to spin metal?

[@JamesThurman]

Absolutely! I do all of my spinning on a Woodfast M408 wood lathe. The size and strength of the lathe will just limit the size/thickness of metal you could spin.

[@deankay4434]

The only stupid question is one not asked. I get brass, aluminum and other non-ferrous metal but could 18 gauge steel be formed into less complex shapes like a 3”-4” funnel with the pinched cut off afterwards? Retired ASE master tech.

[@JamesThurman]

Absolutely! DQAK steel (Drawing Quality Aluminum Killed) is the specific steel that I learned to work with. Scissor/wheel tools (which I just got and will be doing videos with in the future) would be best to use if hand spinning. Obviously CNC spinning lathes can typically handle much heavier jobs.

[@deankay4434]

@@JamesThurman There are things I will make before simply buying. A simple metal cone that fits the base of a GM/Saginaw tilt steering column as my key ignition is on the dash in a 1967 C10 pickup. Ididit, Flaming River sell these for $500+. Why buy one when I have two steering columns. One in the truck and one off my son’s car after he got another in a bone yard. A simple cone that can be MIG welded inside at 3 places so good tacks because it is not structural. A transition part. I don’t have any social media but on the internet just type in Ididit column, it the bottom part close to the dash. I would deal with you. I remember they had a video from “How It’s Made” steering columns (It was a tv show 10-12 years ago. Thanks for your work! Even when the camera is off…Tools, Props, Lighting, Camera Angles, Sound then edit and watch 12 times before uploading. That’s work too! DK, Omaha, NE.

[@carpinosmetalworks]

Keep the video coming bud not many people giving the tips to the beginner on KZbin

[@JamesThurman]

Thanks! I will certainly keep making videos to share! Suggestions & requests are always welcome…

[@chakkijaggani1625]

Hey James, I want to purchase the tools which you showed please let me know what's the root to purchase ?

[@JamesThurman]

Unfortunately there is not a standard supplier of spinning tools that I'm aware of. I'm working on designing and producing a limited line of tools but I am still prototyping. I would suggest that you keep looking online for used tools available through eBay or a similar online marketplace. Sorry I don't have a better answer at this point...

[@shahidahanger5721]

Sir which metal tool material we can use for copper spinning

[@JamesThurman]

If you are only going to spin copper, you can use regular mild steel for the tools. No need to use tool steel or harden the tools. Post pictures of any tools you make--I'm sure everyone would love to see them!

[@shahidahanger5721]

Thanks sir

[@robbiejames1540]

Hi, possibly silly question: can copper pipes (the ones used for plumbing) be spun? Im wanting to spin one to create a sort of hourglass shape.

[@JamesThurman]

Not a silly question at all! Yes, tubes can definitely be spun (I've been meaning to do a video on it...). It helps if the tubing is seamless and annealed. Holding and supporting the material to make sure it doesn't deflect and kink is critical. Ideally, having a double wheel scissor tool would be best but I've only seen those on CNC machines (and I certainly don't have one myself...).

[@robbiejames1540]

@@JamesThurman Thanks! I can get acess to both metal lathes and wood lathes to give it a go, though ill probably give it a try with the metal lathe as it's chuck can properly grip the tube :)

[@JamesThurman]

@@robbiejames1540 They make chucks with jaws for woodturning lathes. I do all my spinning on a woodturning lathe (easier to change tool rest, etc.). Definitely let me know how it goes!

[@robbiejames1540]

@@JamesThurman I will!

[@mateuszminsky5619]

what would you use for silver?

[@JamesThurman]

Working with silver is most similar to copper so I would suggest taking all the same approaches but just practice with copper first (getting used to annealing, etc.). Definitely share anything you end up making--I'd love to see it!

[@timothyjakoyo7818]

Where can one get metal spinning moulds?

[@JamesThurman]

Many show up at used tool sales (flea markets, etc.) or you can have a woodturner make one for you!

[@noelmurphy5394]

James, Is there a method of getting in contact to ask you why I'm making a balls of something that you make look so easy.. I'll put in my email in the hope I get a reply.. grateful.. Noel

[@JamesThurman]

Always happy to help! Feel free to email me at [e-mail]

[@noelmurphy5394]

Hi James, I've already sent a message to that address and no reply, maybe it's an issue at my end, I'll try again... I've watched your fab videos and I'm depressed as hell as you make it look so easy... I'll try and catch up on your email... be well James... Noel..

[@JamesThurman]

@@noelmurphy5394 Well, we definitely want you to be happy and having fun making cool things! I check my UNT email regularly so I don't know what happened--I definitely didn't receive anything from you? You can try my personal email [e-mail] too

[@GibsonPewter]

Planishing is done with a hammer. Your flat tool is a burnisher...

[@JamesThurman]

I completely agree with you on a technical basis, especially since I was trained as a metalsmith before I ever did any metal spinning. I have heard other spinners use "burnish" and "planish" interchangeably.

[@anandgoswami476]

Hello sir my name is Anand from india, I'm a metal spinner I have 6 year experience in this field Can you provide me job please

[@JamesThurman]

I wish I could! This is why we all should increase awareness and appreciation of metal spinning around the world!

[@anandgoswami476]

@@JamesThurman yeah 🤞

[@KalderaKaldera]

Sri lanka matal sipinin😅