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Handmade Titanium Tools

Posted by 141drew Posted onJun 3, 2010 at 11:04 AM and filed under Reviews & Features
Updated onUpdated on May 28, 2021 at 11:37 AM


Tom Anderson is well respected in the “Everyday Carry” world for his gorgeous titanium pens and his high performing torches. However, he also makes titanium tools as well and I figured some of these might interest you guys. His precision screwdrivers, magnetic drivers, torx drivers, and t-grip drivers are VERY light, very strong, and expertly crafted in Tom’s small machine shop. They are also really damned expensive… I covet them, but admittedly don’t have a real use for the titanium jewels.


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DARKSCOPE001

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i would like a titanium screwdriver set. just some small ones. like P3 and 1/8" flat. for doing mag compass adjustments on aircraft. because all I have is this cheap flathead screwdriver that we had to make for a class out of brass brazing rod. that I hate and want something a bit nicer and non magnetic and ti seems to answer the call. Thanks for posting those ryan I might have to look into getting a couple
 
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Ryan

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DARKSCOPE001 said:
BTW are thye 100% ti? I need soemthing compleately non magnetic
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I believe the set screws used to secure the bits are stainless... That said, email him. He seems capable of making just about anything you would need.
 
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Ryan

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I've contacted him... Maybe he'll show us a few shots of where the magic happens.
 
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IndyGarage

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Pure titanium is an awful metal for tools.

It's a soft metal - a little heavier than aluminum and slightly harder than aluminum, and it work hardens so quickly that it breaks almost the instant it starts to bend.

Very heat resistant though, I think the melting point is higher than steel.
 
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Tom Anderson

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arkangel06 said:
Whats harder TI or carbide?
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Carbide is harder than titanium. Most of the cutting tools I use to machine titanium are made from carbide.

Ryan said:
I've contacted him... Maybe he'll show us a few shots of where the magic happens.
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Thanks for the invitation, Ryan! :)

My two main machines are my little bench mill and my lathe. Both are manually controlled (not CNC).

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Everything is in my basement. I don't even have a garage. :)

IndyGarage said:
Pure titanium is an awful metal for tools.

It's a soft metal - a little heavier than aluminum and slightly harder than aluminum, and it work hardens so quickly that it breaks almost the instant it starts to bend.

Very heat resistant though, I think the melting point is higher than steel.
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The term "titanium" is just like the term "steel". There are many grades available that can be used for various applications.

I only use 6AL4V (Grade 5) titanium in bar and sheet form and 3AL2.5V (Grade 9) seamless tubing. Both are alpha-beta alloys with aluminum and vanadium added.

6AL4V titanium is commonly used in aerospace and military applications because of its strength-to-weigh ratio (it has a tensile strength of 120,000 psi.) It is very resistant to oxidation and corrosion, and is non-magnetic. This grade of titanium is also used in many high stress applications for racing and, because of it's spring characteristics, it is used frequently in the manufacture of higher end folding knives.

Titanium is also hypoallergenic. ELI (extra low interstitial) alloy versions are frequently used for medical implants.

Here is a link with more information on various grades/alloys of titanium:

http://www.northamericanalloys.com/titanium_alloys_technical_data.html

You can access more technical information on the ASTM website.
 
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Charles (in GA)

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Very soft material. I have to deal with Ti screws every day, Boeing uses thousands of them in new 737, 767, and 777 aircraft. You can tear up a phillips head in a heart beat if your apex tip is slightly worn or not dead square with the screw. The stuff is quite soft.

Charles
 
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Tom Anderson

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I agree that titanium screws don't perform as well as carbon steel or stainless steel fasteners. Titanium threads also gall easily.
 
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Skyline

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Tom;
Your products are truely beautiful. But I really think you have missed your calling. I gather you have made some loyal customers, but to me, spending several hundred dollars for a penlight just because it looks cool, (and is no more functional than a $50 version) is a bit nuts. But on the other hand, spending huge amounts of money to machine titanium parts for a race car or race motorcycle or racing bicycle makes COMPLETE sense. To me, form should follow function, and the place where beautifully machined titanium items belong is where no other material or manufacturing process will do as good a job. Take a look at a pro cyclist's bike for example, there are titanium pieces all over, and for the top pros, these items are in a constant state of development. There's a huge market there for someone with your significant skills. You should send some photos of your work to a few F1 teams!
 
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Ryan

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Nuts? Maybe... But you'd have to be deeply immersed in the world of custom torches to make that call. Seriously, you would be amazed at some of the technology and prices in the custom light industry. It's crazy... and actually really damned cool as well.

Tom is as talented as they come.
 
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Vinko

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Skyline said:
Tom;
Your products are truely beautiful. But I really think you have missed your calling. I gather you have made some loyal customers, but to me, spending several hundred dollars for a penlight just because it looks cool, (and is no more functional than a $50 version) is a bit nuts.
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I think the appeal of everyday objects is an excellent choice. The basic design and lines of the ashtray are brilliant. I totally get it. I don't care for most of the designs I looked at, incl. the flashlight, but I think those prices are reasonable for well-crafted items.
 
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G1K

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Hmm, same could be said about tools:

"...but to me, spending several hundred dollars for a Truck brand wrench just because it looks cool, (and is no more functional than a $20 craftsman pro version) is a bit nuts..."


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Skyline said:
Tom;
Your products are truely beautiful. But I really think you have missed your calling. I gather you have made some loyal customers, but to me, spending several hundred dollars for a penlight just because it looks cool, (and is no more functional than a $50 version) is a bit nuts. But on the other hand, spending huge amounts of money to machine titanium parts for a race car or race motorcycle or racing bicycle makes COMPLETE sense. To me, form should follow function, and the place where beautifully machined titanium items belong is where no other material or manufacturing process will do as good a job. Take a look at a pro cyclist's bike for example, there are titanium pieces all over, and for the top pros, these items are in a constant state of development. There's a huge market there for someone with your significant skills. You should send some photos of your work to a few F1 teams!
Click to expand...
 
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