Engraving brass

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Hi All.

I need to engrave some brass plaques with my CNC router.

Can anyone recommend some tools bits and starting speeds and feeds?

Thanks in advance.

[Boots]

Some Brass is Half Hard and some Hard then there is the soft stuff too. Don't know which you are using cause you didn't state but there are as many Brass Type materials as there are Steel. I use Onsrud Tools #37-06 is a .020 tip @ 60 deg. #37-07 is a .030 tip @ 60 deg. and #37-11 is a .060 tip @ 60 deg. These cut half Hard Brass very well @ 18,000 rpm @ 180 ipm. they all are $16.28 ea. US $ Smaller tips are for small letters and large tips for bigger letters.

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Originally Posted by Boots Some Brass is Half Hard and some Hard then there is the soft stuff too. Don't know which you are using cause you didn't state but there are as many Brass Type materials as there are Steel. I use Onsrud Tools #37-06 is a .020 tip @ 60 deg. #37-07 is a .030 tip @ 60 deg. and #37-11 is a .060 tip @ 60 deg. These cut half Hard Brass very well @ 18,000 rpm @ 180 ipm. they all are $16.28 ea. US $ Smaller tips are for small letters and large tips for bigger letters.

Thanks Boots.

What depth of cut do you use?

What would be a good tool for cutting through the brass (cutting a large piece into smaller plaques)?

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[Boots]

The depth of cut depends on the "LOOK" you are trying to acheive. I cut anywhere from .015 to .030 deep and sometimes go .060 . (.5mm to 1.5mm) . To cut thru I would use either a 2 flute 1/8 in. bit or a 2 flute 1/4 in. (3mm - 6mm) depending on your outline and shape. You can cut pretty deep with these Engraving bits up to the full dia. of the bit but in several passes and keep in mind the deeper you go the slower you go as you have more tool contact with the brass. Going to deep too fast can cause chatter and a poor quality finish.

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Thanks!

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Hi Boots

I forgot to ask, do you do this dry or use a mist coolant?

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