Vcarving brass??

[cnc_works]

I have to vcarve some 3/4" letters (times new roman) into 1/8" brass. I have ordered a 60deg bit with .010 flat to do the job. So, questions are:

Is that a good bit to do the job?
I was thinking 15-20 ipm, 15,000rpm, .03 depth of cut max?
Should I cut in two passes to relieve stress on sharp point?

Any input would be appreciated.

[Brady Watson]

Don,
Yes - but there is really no 'good' bit on the market for v-carving brass. You want to be very conservative with the stepdowns & I would recommend using 360 free-machining brass to take the goofy alloys that are troublesome out of the picture.

I would highly recommend getting a hunk & v-carving just one letter maybe 4 or 5 times to get your stuff dialed in. Order at least one extra bit. 20-25psi blowing right on the bit helps keep it cool.

-B

[cnc_works]

Thanks for the feedback, Brady.

Would two passes be better or would it just give twice the exposure for breakage, etc.?

Donn

[Mike Windsor]

I've done it and the bit I used looked like a solid cone with half of the cone ground off it was called an engravers bit . The material I used was sold as " Trophy brass" . ---I have a picture of the part after chrome plating here : http://windsorboatworks.com/ryan/dep3.JPG

[cnc_works]

Yeah, that is what I got, Mike.

Good looking job!