Is Magnesium ok?

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by anthonyttu

Magnesium is not explosive it is used for wheels on high end cars all day long. The shavings or swarf created when machining do need to be handled properly they can catch fire and burn very well once they catch. The little fire starter kits that you scrap the savings off then spark up is a block of magnesium and flint for the spark.

This would have me concerned with respect to machining in the pits... Could I just pick up any old drill and start punching holes in it without any risk of it catching fire? What about cutting a bit off with a hacksaw or saws-all? Do I need to be worried about the little scraps and dust posing a fire risk in the pits?

All of these could be grounds for either not using it or not permitting machining on it at an event - remember, safety is more important!