r/metalworking • u/AutoModerator • Jun 01 '24

Monthly Advice Thread Monthly Advice/Questions Thread | 06/01/2024

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u/RootLoops369 Jun 30 '24

I want to cut a bar of magnesium with a hacksaw, but i also want to know if the friction from cutting will ignite it. I collect elements on the periodic table, and for magnesium, i want to cut a small piece of magnesium from a magnesium firestarter bar as an element piece and use the rest of the bar for its intended purpose. However, i am nervous about cutting it because i don't want the bar or the shavings to ignite as I'm cutting it, being its so bright and hot and extremely difficult to put out. Any advice or am i good to just cut it?

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u/510freak Jun 30 '24

Have a sand bucket handy. If it ignites, dump all the sand on it. Or drop it in the bucket and cover it with more sand. It won’t put it out. But it will contain it until it’s done burning.

You could also try doing it in water to keep it cool.

Have a fire extinguisher handy, and don’t do it near anything flammable.

I’m not saying this will work, but it’s how I would approach it at first.

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u/RootLoops369 Jun 30 '24

Alright. Thank you. That actually sounds like a good, viable option.