Working with Brass?

[MLB]

I'm trying to make brass bolsters and guards for a fixed blade knife. What is the best way to work with brass, the tricks to cutting, grinding and molding, etc.???????

I'm hoping one of the Great Knife Makers on the site will share some educational info and the tricks of the trade when working with brass.

Thanks
MLB

[muskrat man]

working brass is fairly easy but when grinding use sharp belts to prevent fold overs and sand it down to a very fine grit before buffing or the brass will "tear" from rough compounds. Jantz sells a yellow compound specifically for brass that is very good.

[Hukk]

Yes, I agree with that. I would also set aside fresh buffing wheels just for brass and on copper as well. I don't want a piece of steel of steel buried in the wheel to make a big old scratch when I'm nearly done. If you are using a file, I would keep a file card on hand to clean the file and keep the brass from loading up. Other than whats been mentioned I'd just be careful that I do not remove to much brass to quickly. It is fairly soft and easy to work with.

[Diligence]

I have had problems with brass slivers getting into my hands when sanding a "handle sandwich"....just as a heads-up....

[MLB]

Thanks for the replys, this info really helps. I have worked with steel all my life, but not with brass. Every time I turned around I would mess up because tring to learn by trail and error. When working with brass, this lesson can get expensive very quick.

[Diligence]

Hi MLB....join Kaleb and me in the CHat room....