Flognaw123 Posted February 5, 2018 Posted February 5, 2018 Can I use aluminum window mesh screen to sift through compositions? Or will they not be screened right? Im trying to make a 2x4 ball media but i am not sure if i can use the aluminum window mesh screen or should I buy a stainless steel mesh screen? Thanks in return. 1
Mumbles Posted February 5, 2018 Posted February 5, 2018 It's a little coarse for screening compositions. I personally prefer about 40 mesh for good mixing. The aluminum window screens wont last as long, but there's nothing inherently unsafe about the material used. If you're talking about screening the ball milling media from the comp then they're work alright. Again, not as strong as something purpose built, but it'll work.
Flognaw123 Posted February 5, 2018 Author Posted February 5, 2018 Thank you for replying! I just ordered a stainless steel 40 mesh and I cant wait to attach it to the 2x4's I cut. Does mesh size matter when screening compositions? For example, I am trying to make black match and it says to use a 50 Mesh Screen and I brought the 40 mesh screen. Would it make a difference? I cant seem to find a 50 mesh screen around the web.
pyrojig Posted February 5, 2018 Posted February 5, 2018 If they are suggesting using the screen for sifting then your fine with the 40. I personally use 1/8" hardware screen to separate media and milled powder. Just cut a 3gal bucket bottom off ,flip over , laid screen over cut and used a propane torch to melt screen in to the bucket . Then took a grinder/ file etc. and cleaned up any screen left on outside edge. I have screened hundreds of loads of powder . . And it takes a lot of weight 15-20# w/o a prob. 2
MadMat Posted February 5, 2018 Posted February 5, 2018 The fine stainless steel kitchen strainers sold at places like wally world are real close to 40 mesh. I used them when I was starting out and making fairly small batches of stuff.
Mumbles Posted February 6, 2018 Posted February 6, 2018 Like others have said the exact mesh size isn't very critical. My first screens were made just like pyrojig described, but with 6" x 12" plastic shoe boxes. None of them were really the prescribed typical mesh sizes either. I think had a 24 mesh, and a 36 mesh, and a 57 mesh. Cost ruled over exactness. If you're looking for a variety of mesh sizes (and wire diameters), check with some of the industrial suppliers. McMaster-Carr, McNichols, and Grainger both carry wide selections among a variety of other suppliers. Searching with the terms "wire cloth" or "wire mesh" will yield plenty of hits. I like 304 stainless for my screens and generally pick a medium thickness wire diameter, usually something relatively inexpensive.
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