theobromacacao - 15-5-2008 at 04:50
Does anyone know of a "safe" way to cut a large ingot (20g piece) of Ba metal into smaller pieces, as I have recently purchased some for my Periodic
Table collection and it is too large?! I always thought that Ba was a "soft" metal (although had never seen any until recently), but found that it
can't readily be cut like Na etc. and is really quite hard! Even my Li sample is easier to cut. I would appreciate any practical ideas. In
addition, once I have a smaller sample, would anyone be interested in purchasing the remainder of it as I have quite a lot of flammable solids now in
my flat and need to reduce the quantities of chemicals I hold, as I am sure the landlord would not appreciate it! I have approx. 2" slab of Li, 20g
Na, this Ba lump and a 5g sealed ampoule of 99.97% pure K. Many thanks.
Zinc - 15-5-2008 at 05:06
Try using a wood chisel, place the sharp end on the Ba and hit the chisel with a hammer. I think that it should work.
YT2095 - 15-5-2008 at 05:32
if you`re not in any Rush for the cash (I have to sort my bank out 1`st) I`l certainly have the Ba metal off you if the price is good 
that will only leave Strontium metal for me to source.
kilowatt - 16-5-2008 at 09:43
I would just coat it in thick wax and cut it with a hand saw of whatever type. If the shavings are pyrophoric I would rig up a miter box with some
plastic sheeting around everything (so you can still hold the saw through the sheeting) and fill it with argon.
Mr. Wizard - 17-5-2008 at 09:22
A 20 gram chunk should yield to a good bolt cutter, with no loss to filings or other accidents.
Bolt Cutters
MadHatter - 17-5-2008 at 20:48
That's a good idea. My 3 ft. bolt cutters will cut 5/8" hardened steel with little
effort and no damage to the bolt cutters. Just do it in plastic bag to keep the pieces
from flying around.
vulture - 18-5-2008 at 00:46
I would be wary of any method that produces small flakes and lots of friction = fire.
theobromacacao - 18-5-2008 at 07:22
Thanks for all the replies and feedback. I've now managed to sell the Ba lump and K ampoule thereby making the flat a little safer at least!