DIY titanium ring

Titanium is one of the most prized metals in the world. From jewelry to medical equipment, aviation and marine engineering, titanium is useful in any industry. It is as strong as steel yet light and known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. It’s naturally corrosion resistant and extremely durable.

Titanium rings and bands are a popular but uncommon alternative to gold and silver. Naturally, the metal is a grayish color, but it can be polished bright. It’s hypo-allergenic, incredibly strong, maintains its shape, and won’t bend or break.

For those with the desire and skill, crafting a ring from titanium is well worth the effort! Follow these instructions by instructables contributor Mrballeng to create a brilliant band for yourself or your sweetheart.

Materials and tools

Titanium Sheet, Grade 2 | Thickness: 0.125″ 
Create a custom size to reduce the material cost!

Alternative Materials

Titanium Round, Grade 2
Choose the diameter you need, slice the thickness you want, and start at step 2.

Titanium Tube, Grade 2
Ensure the Internal Diameter of the tube will fit your finger, slice the material to the width you want, then start at step 4.

Tools

While this can all be done with hand tools, we advise you use these:

Lathe

Drill press

Buffing wheel

Polishing compound

Hammer

Tapered mandrels about the same diameter as your finger

Files

Sandpaper of 800-2000 grit

Instructions

Step 1: Cut piece

Trace a circle in the size you want, ideally near the corner of the titanium sheet. We suggest using a penny as your template.

Drill numerous hole very close together around the circle. Then break it off in a vice.

STEP 2: Set up for the lathe

Drill a pilot hole, then proceed to a 1/4″ bit. Mount the ring on a nut and bolt, making it ready for the lathe. 

STEP 3: Machine it down

Machine the piece down until you think it looks good. The piece in the images was about .75″ in diameter when it was finished.

STEP 4: Size your ring

Fit the disc with some sort of tapered mandrel going through the center hole. Hammer the disc down the mandrel to expand it.

Keep in mind that while you’re hammering the ring it will have sharp edges. As you’re trying on the ring these edges will catch on your finger. Be careful and avoid cutting yourself. Also, the lip will make the ring feel smaller than it really is.

Remember you can always keep hammering but you cannot shrink the ring. Make sure to check that you’re not over-hammering any single section of the ring. It should have an even thickness all the way around. 

STEP 5: Comfort fit

Once the ring is the proper size, put it in your lathe. You can use nickels to help keep the ring flush and even. 

Use extreme caution! A flying ring bouncing off at 1100 RPM can land you in the emergency room.

Round over the edges on both the inside and out. 

STEP 6: Initial polish

Mount the ring on a socket holder then insert it into the lather. Make sure you don’t press it on with too much force, or you can split the ring. Polish the outside with a coarser grit sandpaper, then work your way up to 2000 grit. 

Once the ring is sanded on the outside you can use tape to keep it from getting scratched by the jaws. Start with 800 grit sandpaper, then use 1000 grit followed by 2000 grit.

STEP 7: Final polish

Lastly, use polishing compound with a buffing wheel to shine up the ring.

Voila!

SHOP TITANIUM

An alternative option to Titanium Sheet, that might be easier and eliminate some steps could be to use Titanium Round Bar or Titanium Tube. Have an idea or tips on working with titanium? Share your creations, tips, and ideas on our Facebook page!

Online Metals provides superior quality, cut-to-size titanium with no minimums and a price match guarantee! Plus we have fast shipping, straight to your door. OnlineMetals.com is the easiest way to get the raw materials you need for your business or DIY and hobby projects. Find a lower price online? We’ll match it! And you get the amazing service and quality Online Metals is famous for.