richard riley wrote:

On Sun, 15 Feb 2004 20:57:48 GMT, Orval Fairbairn
wrote:

:
:I have used a bandsaw with a smooth blade to friction cut titanium. One
:time I had a very small chip catch fire and burn itself out on the
:bandsaw table. I think that it takes a lot LESS than 5000 degF to flame
:it.

That may be true, but I'm trying to figure out how. Ti melts at
3020°F and boils at 5949°F.


Well, friction cutting does imply that it is hot enough to melt.
Might a thin chip get enough concentrated heat to double the temp?