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So, when it wasn't working before you had maybe an inch or half an inch sticking out of the top of the vice? And now you have only 1/16" sticking out unsupported? If so... doh! why didn't I think...

Wait a minute...

How exactly were you holding the brass rods to begin with? Were they in a vice grip?

That is insane! How do you have the patience? I take about 20 taps. Ok, I really don't keep count, but I'm done in under 5 minutes.

Like I said before. You need the soft alloy for pinning. Brass is a mixture of two different metals and who knows what else they stick in the stuff nowadays. Either case, long story short,...

Its due to the alloy you bought. Do what Joed recommends and hopefully it will work out for you. If not, I forget what the alloy is called, but if you need the name, just ask.