cutting brass

[awalt1250]

I was wanting to get some baseline information (bits, speeds, feeds, etc) on cutting brass. My goal is to make a small branding iron. I'm not looking for anything exotic.... don't want to have to use coolant.

[Roy Harding]

I was wanting to get some baseline information (bits, speeds, feeds, etc) on cutting brass. My goal is to make a small branding iron. I'm not looking for anything exotic.... don't want to have to use coolant.

Although I have never cut brass on the 'Bot, I have used it extensively with my other cutting tools (saws and router table). I've found that if you treat it like a hardwood, you should be just fine. So - speeds and feeds like you'd use on maple should work fine - and expect similar dulling of your cutting tools.

Of course - I stand ready for clarification from anyone who HAS cut brass on their 'Bot.

The branding iron idea is great - and is something that has been rattling around in the back of my head for a while.

[scottp55]

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12627&highlight=branding+iron


http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12627&highlight=branding+iron

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19094&highlight=branding+iron

[donek]

I made a branding iron from 6061 aluminum and a $20 hot plate that works great. I melted the first one leaving it on for too long, but have since branded hundreds of boxes with no sign of deterioration on the remake. Brass would be nice, but doesn't seem necessary.

[awalt1250]

Sean,

what bit did you use?

[donek]

Sean,

what bit did you use?

1/4in accupro o-flute from msc industrial and a 90 deg chamfer mill from msc.

[scottp55]

Ordering Brass for branding iron and wondering how thick the backing should be. I'll add the thickness of my cut, but wondering what a good thickness is for doing hundreds of brands (I'll be mounting on my mortice cutter or drill press most likely). Using 360 brass From McMaster. Design is 1.5" tall, is 1 3/4" wide stock enough or should I go 2" wide stock for some unknown to me reason? Thanks All.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#brass-alloys/=rsdvan

[bobmoore]

Scott;
Mine is engraved within .030" of the edge of the stock. Stock is .25" brass engraved .050" deep. I assume you are making your own rather than purchasing for the experience since you can buy a brand for less than $ 100.00.Bob

[scottp55]

Thanks Bob, Pretty much, but the Northern Desktop will eventually be split off when they get on their feet, so separate company name and the Fonts are the logo. So we have to make 2 of them, possibly 3 different ones. First iteration here, but rethinking tooling a little(EM's) and looking at narrower font for second and third lines. Pretty sure I'll stay wood after looking at the times:)
Thanks.