Routing wood and brass at the same time?

[jkaras]

Hello-

I recently made a 2 inch high 3D form out of about a dozen sheets of Masonite (hardboard) laminated together and then routed. It looked great seeing all of the layers of material within the form.

Now I will be laminating several layers of Masonite sheets (hardboard) and I would like to sandwich sheets of brass in between the Masonite.

My concern is:

1) Is there a type of bit that can handle both brass and hard wood?
2) Will I be able to route both brass and wood without the use of cutting fluid?
3) Has anybody tried anything similar to this?
4) Adhesive recommendations for brass to wood? It would probably need to be a high flashpoint adhesive...?

Any thought or questions or answers are greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[Brady Watson]

You will want to use a O-flute bit (available from Harvey or Onsrud) - cutting it dry. I can't advise you on adhesive...but you'll want something pretty tenacious that won't cause delamination during cutting. I would try using a straight O-flute first (chips will stay in the kerf) because it will help prevent delamination.

Glue up extra material and do test cuts until you are happy with the results. Then proceed to the real parts.

The brass alloy will influence edge quality. 360 being the best. Naval brass(es) being the worst.

-B

[bleeth]

A good end mill will handle both and you would need to cut as if it were brass or at the very least have a very interesting set of toolpaths that would cut masonite and no brass, then brass, then the next masonite, etc in various steps. As a practical exercise I don't know if it would work out or not. Since you can't use fluid you may need a venturi air blower to keep it cool while cutting the brass. Adhesive would need to be some kind of epoxy. There are several made for metal. Check out Grainger, MSC direct, RS Hughes, 3-m on line store, etc.
This sounds like an interesting adventure and you may be going where none of us have before. I don't think Brady has even tried this one! (Simulpost with Brady!)

[scottp55]

Just curious.
How thick is the brass and is this one 3D as well?
scott

[jTr]

As for the Glue:
http://www.veneersupplies.com/products/Better-Bond-TC-20-Copper-Adhesive.html

My review on that page (2nd one down) reflects my experience with brass and this glue.

Jeff