Cutting thin brass sheet with a TrackSaw? Anyone?

[Stephen B]

Have any members cut thin [2mm] brass sheet with a Tracksaw?
If so, which blade and speed?

With thanks,

Untidy

 

[Kev]

Have any members cut thin [2mm] brass sheet with a Tracksaw?
If so, which blade and speed?

With thanks,

Untidy

[member=19746]Untidy Shop[/member]

I haven't cut brass, but I'd go quite slow. This is the most compatible blade that Festool offer ...
http://www.festool.com.au/epages/to...ooltechnic/Products/496306/SubProducts/496306

... but I think I'd be tempted to try this ...
http://www.wahardware.com.au/ferrou...tal-cut-160mm-x-48t-x-20mm-9416143930240.html

The blades should have a suggested RPM .. and potentially will also suggest to spray some oily lubricant (WD40) depending on what you're cutting.

I have FLAI Mustang blades (not available in 160mm) and I'd cut anything with those (promac.com.au).

How much are you cutting? A straight edge and something really sharp may be enough.

 

[rst]

I use old brass lock parts to clean the aluminum from my blades; chop, table, circular, and bandsaw.  I've cut miles and miles in the last 36 years.  If you are cutting thin brass, sandwich it between thin plywood for the best results.  There is no need for lubricant as brass actually is considered one.  I use aluminum/plastic blades in all my portable and stationary tools to cut every thing except the steel cutting blades which I consider one of the top innovations of all time.

 

[Holmz]

Or bring it to a local sheet metal place and have them shear it...

 

[Svar]

Low speed (1-3) same as aluminum.
Non-ferrous cutting blade.
2 mm is thick enough to cut without sandwiching.
Dust extraction does not work well with metals, expect shreds to be allover the place.

 

[Brent Taylor]

I have not cut brass, but I have cut 1/8" and 1/4 " aluminum,  sheet copper,  sheet lead and steel over the years and I used a metal blade in a Makita 7 1/4" saw and a plywood rip guide with fine results,  so I would think that a TS with a metal cutting blade and track should do fine at any speed.  You can adjust the speed to optimizes the cut and use a thin plywood on top of the metal to save your splinter guide.