Rick,
I agree. Titanium has the same properties. My saving grace was the dirt and I was able to move most of the turnings away from the fire!
I worked for a titanium company and the fines pile would steam in a rain storm. I've been told it has been smoldering since the 50's
Another thing to watch out for is grinding. Aluminum and iron have the makings of thermite so I am told!
I will be better prepared next time. Luckily there should be no more turning work on the Ti!
true i did it with my dads bench grinder a few years back my dad sharpened all his chisels on it one weekend and i used it the day after to grind the edge off a magnesium motorcycle engine cover and leaft the pile under the wheel not thinking later my brother ground a fine tip on an old screwdriver wich ignited the resulting pile of filings and before we could shout what the f**k it had burned through the bench cupboard and melted the bottom of an old steel bucket in the cupboard below
they dont call thermite the mother of satan for nothing
Zee,
I hope the 23rd is not a cursed date. Going by my recent failures you could make the argument for every weekend in June!
Sean