Drilling brass

Turn a piece of wood to fit the ID. Use a drill with outer spurs, like a woodworkers /sheet metal drill.

Your standard drill bits will work -- but you first need to grind on the leading edge of each flute to remove the rake. If there is any rake, it will grab as it breaks through and will be very likely to pull the workpiece of of the vise and start bashing it against everything in reach. Brass is particularly nasty about this.

And if your vise will open the full 3", I would strongly suggest that you clamp it by the ends, instead of across the diameter. The latter will leave a lot of flex, making it easier for the drill to pull it out of the vise.

Good Luck, DoN.

Hey David,

Perfect for EDM.

Take care.

Brian Laws>I have to lighten a thin, 3/4inch brass tube. Wall thickness is

Thank you very much for the advise, Don and Mr.Bamboo. Adjusting the drill edge made all the difference and the job was 100% successful. I am always nervous with drilling brass. david

One approach no on ementioned is to use a "step drill" like a Unibit. These are already gound with zero rake, and they cut thin metal very nicely without grabbing.

Doug White

Thanks Doug, I will remember that for future use, david