Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Safe metals to make whistles from

Me and a friend are working on making whistles using metal. My question is, what would be a safe metal to insert in your mouth? We thought about 304 stainless steel since that seems to be what utensils are made from. We like aluminum since its easier to manipulate. I've researched aluminum cans and all I've found is "there's a special solution sprayed on the interior of the can." I've seen the terms lacquer and shellac used also. Are these the same lacquer and shellac you can get at a hardware store? Thanks for your help.

Tim Schwab
hobbyist - Virginia Beach, Virginia
2004

The 300 series of stainless (316,302,304,308 etc) will work fine. Titanium is great but expensive. aluminum in my opinion will be safe. The best coating would be to have it anodized(if its an alloy that anodizes well, I like 6061 myself) there is controversy on the safety of Aluminum to be used around the body and for cooking applications ... but it is commonly used in such applications. I was a cook for a few years and every restaurant I worked in all the utensils were either stainless or aluminum(the anodized surface was rarely intact). Even if it is a hazard for the body I think that you would ingest/absorb way more Aluminum going out to eat at restaurants than blowing on a whistle occasionally. Like I said, its best to have Aluminum anodized to avoid corrosion/absorption, etc. Other metals will probably work just fine for your application -- these are just what I prefer.

Jason Aube
- Flint, Michigan
2004

I also have been trying to make a whistle from tin. It does not feel like aluminum foil in your mouth. Mine is a flute type whistle (early 1900's cracker jacks prize). What is your design resemble?

David Friefeld
- Houston, Texas
2004