off the shelf cutter for brass

[SherlockParticipant @sherlock]

Does anyone know where I could purchase some off the shelf 1/4"/6mm HSS cutting tools suitable for brass.. Ie no back rake.

I'm just about to start making my first cuts on my lathe. Been waiting patiently and eagerly while I tried to study as much as I can before diving straight in and damaging it. I think I'm ready to take the plunge…

I know I should be grinding my own tools and I will have a crack at it when I buy a grinder at some point but just wondered if there were any off the shelf cutters i could buy to get me going.. Most I have seen available have a back rake which I understand is not entirely suitable?

[SherlockParticipant @sherlock]

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

You could get away with using any of the preground cutters, although it is said you should use a flat topped tool for brass I have never had any specific ones, just used the same too as I would for other metals.

[David George 1Participant @davidgeorge1]

Hi Steve where are you based. I could let you have a couple and show you how simple it is to grind your own it it is somewhere near me.

David

[Anonymous]

Just buy a 1/4" HSS blank. It'll have zero top rake and if the end is chamfered you've got front rake for free. Just need to grind side rake and it's job done. Having said that a tool with top rake will cut brass fine. It's just that if the top rake is too pronounced there may be a tendency for the tool to be pulled into the work.

Andrew

[SherlockParticipant @sherlock]

Posted by David George 1 on 03/08/2018 19:46:42:

Hi Steve where are you based. I could let you have a couple and show you how simple it is to grind your own it it is somewhere near me.

David

Hi David , Thank you very much for that offer, that would have been great and had I not been located in London and more your neck of the woods Nottinghamshire way, I would have absolutely Loved that. I’m in need of all the help I can get so willing to soak up as much advice as I can from you guys. Cheers for the very kind gesture, it’s very much appreciated.

[SherlockParticipant @sherlock]

Thanks guys I actually got some cutters included when I bought the lathe so maybe I should just use them for now, despite them having the back rake on top, sounds like it’s not too much of an issue. I’ve also got a couple of blanks so maybe I should just bite the bullet and buy a cheap bench grinder

[VicParticipant @vic]

Posted by Andrew Johnston on 03/08/2018 20:55:33:

Having said that a tool with top rake will cut brass fine.

Andrew

That’s been my experience. I’ve never ground any tools especially for brass. I cut some brass a few days ago with my Tangential tool and it worked fine, lovely finish.

[Author]

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