Tips for turning Titanium?

[warpedmephisto]

I might need to turn down some 0.224" Titanium rod to smaller diameters and cut some thread (10-24, 8-32, etc) on one end. I am going to be using my 9x20 lathe to do this. Anyone have any tips for removal rates, rpms, feeds, etc? I have not dealt with machining Titanium before.

[tikj]

Have had great results using insert made for aluminum, running at about 125 to 200 surface speed, the problems might come with the small dia of part though. as for threading you may want to check inserts for a diamond coating, not sure if they are available though, have had great luck with diamond coated taps, hope this helps..

[PBMW]

Unfortunately, your little 9X20 dosn't have anywhere NEAR enough rigidity to turn Ti to .224 for any length. It certainly dosn't have the power or speed to use carbide inserts. You will be pushing the material. Do you have flood coolant? Ti likes to turn at about 130SFM which would be 2234rpm
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news...
Jim

[warpedmephisto]

I don't have flood coolant - just a little spray bottle with coolant in it. I do however use indexed carbide inserts, but granted I mostly turn aluminum, some steel and some stainless. I can get up to 2000 RPM with it and it has a 3/4 horse motor. I'll only be turning down a short length, just enough to cut some threads on the end. Would I be better off cutting the threads single point, or with a die? Hopefully I can do this, but if not, oh well.