Metal/steel/iron forgings what are they made of, what are they worth?

[bdyy03]

Hi I have been sitting on some cut up metal forgings. They were used as forms to produce aircraft engine parts, and are not out of service and torched into pieces. I have had them for some time as I don't want to just get "steel" money for them. I know they are made up of more than that, alloy of some sort, something more than just steel. but, I don't know what or their worth. Help anyone?

[Mick]

Have you checked to see if they're aluminum?

[bdyy03]

When they were whole they were REAL heavy. The pieces are super heavy. That made me think they weren't aluminum. Would I be correct in my assumptions?

[Mick]

I don't know - just something for you to check out. Being real heavy wouldn't necessarily preclude being aluminum, I get boat motor blocks and heads that are mostly cast aluminum and are pretty heavy.

[Mechanic688]

Give it the grinder test, sparks or no sparks,,

[bdyy03]

I will def check to see if aluminum, thanks. Spark or no spark? Which one means what just so I know? Could they be some type of alloy, compound, or composite?

[MilitiaMetals]

aluminum does not spark

[Hypoman]

Those forgings probably wouldn't be steel if they were used for the engines. They would probably a nickel alloy. Best way to find out is ask a scrap yard if they they would take their xrf gun to it (if they have one).

[Mick]

Also, aluminum is not magnetic - just put a magnet up to it. Sorry - that's what I get for assuming that you knew that.

[bdyy03]

I did not go with the magnet as stainless steel is also non magnetic correct? 8 will ask the people at the scrap yard I use if they have one of those guns, they are kinda small but ya never know. On a side note been ttrying to clear up the "yard" a bit and just scrapped all my stainless yesterday actually and it really wasn't worth all the extra work and effort.

[rca987]

Stainless steel can be non-magnetic, slightly magnetic, or very magnetic. Just depends how much iron is used. There are quite a few different grades of stainless steel.

[bdyy03]

Ugh, this is why I've been putting off the forgings. Not easy to find an answer!

[Mick]

See if this would help you determine if it's stainless steel or aluminum: http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/showt...ss-or-Aluminum


If it sparks or is magnetic, it's NOT aluminum. After this sorting, you'll need to go by coloring. Can you post a picture?

[dherik]

They could be magnesium cast. The aircraft I worked on in the Air Force had cast magnesium for the compressor, and the reduction gear box.

Be careful trying to make it spark

[Hypoman]

Lol. This all could seem overwhelming, so start with one suggestion and move on to the next. I'm sure you'll get it!

[Mechanic688]

Be careful trying to make it spark

Nothin prettier than a magnesium fire :eek:

[dherik]

Nothin prettier than a magnesium fire :eek:

I've seen one, burnt right through 18 inches of concrete. Nothing you can do except let it burn itself out.

[bdyy03]

I am gonna take it all in and start with the easiest suggestion and go from there. I am going to take some pictures with my phone and post them. Maybe that will bring even more info from you guys. Definitely gonna be care full of a magnesium fire, that's all I need! Thanks for all the help so far!

[Mechanic688]

burnt right through 18 inches of concrete

If it catches on fire, just don't throw water on it ,,,:eek::eek:

[Saroro]

If it catches on fire, just don't throw water on it ,,,:eek::eek:

Or do if you want even nicer fireworks! lol