Cutting Brass

[HasBean]

I'm in the middle of sorting a boat steering wheel which involves cutting out the original boss to make fit. Thing is it's brass held by three 1 1/2" - 1 3/4" solid spokes. Can I use a normal grinder cutting disc on this or will it just clog up? By design I can't use the bandsaw and the thought of having to use a hacksaw is making me ache already
Ideas anyone?

Paul

 

[scott0031]

You can grind it, its not the ideal solution but it will work. It will probably clog up a bit but shouldnt be a problem. If it does clog up just keep a bit of steel near by and run the wheel through it refresh the wheel surface. I 'wouldnt' use the super thin 1mm slitting disks. I would advise using a min of a 3mm disk. This is incase of clogging as it might cause a breakage on the thinner disk.

It will be quicker than a hacksaw no matter what. One word of warning brass is actually a hard material by nature and it will pepper you to hell when ground. Make double sure you are fully protected face, hands and eyes. Bits of brass in the eye is worse than steel as its a hard material its often very sharp indeed and can penertrate a lot deeper.

It may well be its a naval brass if that the case it will be very tough going as that is not only hard but very tough indeed.


Good luck hope this is of some help.


Kind regards,


Scott

 

[Hitch]

The thin disc cut brass alright, nice dust on the bench
Always seems a shame to butcher brass with a grinder though...

 

[HasBean]

Thanks guys, I wanted to cut as close to the hub as possible as it would leave me with three nice bits of brass for something or other

Just remembered I have an air saw somewhere which I stopped using as the compressor can't really keep up so I might try that first, don't really want needles of brass everywhere!

Paul

 

[scott0031]

The reason why i advised against using a 1mm slitting disk is because the depth you need to cut through is pretty deep. If you do get bad clogging at depth and it makes the disk skip, there is a high chance you will get a breakage due to the depth the disk could be at. If the grinder gets knocked back by clogging the result could well be flying bits of disk.

I suggested a 3mm disk for your own safety, you will get a slightly widend cut and more leeway for error if it kicks back.


good luck,


Scott

 

[Pete.]

I've cut full-depth on a 4.5" thin disk in brass no problem. I'd go for that.

 

[Weldingartisan]

A good Jig saw would munch through it quite well with a decent blade - and allow you to follow the radius. W/A

 

[HasBean]

A good Jig saw would munch through it quite well with a decent blade - and allow you to follow the radius. W/A

Now why didn't I think of that?