Thread: Cutting Brass Stock

I had some 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 come in today.
I'm hoping to make some liners and spacers.

Truthfully the 1/16 is likely too think for spacers but what the heck it's a learning opportunity.

Hacksaw, Dremel Cutting Wheel, other?

What tools should I be using?

Thanks,
Bob

Personally I cut brass on my scroll saw with a #3 metal blade. Low speed and machine oil make the cut clean and extend the life of the blade. This method works well on aluminum also.

Originally Posted by RobertFontaine

I had some 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 come in today.
I'm hoping to make some liners and spacers.

Truthfully the 1/16 is likely too think for spacers but what the heck it's a learning opportunity.

Hacksaw, Dremel Cutting Wheel, other?

What tools should I be using?

Thanks,
Bob

Actually, quite a few wedges seem to be 1/16 or close. Depends, of course.

I like the Dremel # 545 diamond cut-off wheel. Cost you about $13 or so, but will last a long time if you're careful with it. Cuts aluminum and wood very nicely, brass should work fine.

There's also a kit called EZ406, about $12. This is an EZ lock mandrel (which can be used on other things) with 5 1-1/2" metal cutting wheels. These are thicker, and I tend to use them on steel, but might do brass OK too. The diamond wheel is really nice for fine cuts, though.

P. S. Use the diamond wheel to cut out the rough shape, then the side of the metal cutting wheel to grind off to close to the final shape.

tin-snips (cut larger then file to shape)

Hacksaw. Hog off the big pieces, then sand to shape, thickness, etc. I have a fair bit of equipment, though, so my method might not work for everyone.

Lots of ways to do this, obviously. I use a regular Dremel cutoff wheel.

Originally Posted by Joe Chandler

Hacksaw. Hog off the big pieces, then sand to shape, thickness, etc. I have a fair bit of equipment, though, so my method might not work for everyone.

What he said, saw, sand, polish.