Drilling brass with small bits

[SilverSanJuan]

Why does brass start to chip up the deeper you drill the hole? I've noticed that when I first start drilling the hole I get nice smooth, curly chips. But after about an eighth of an inch (or slightly less), the bit seems to be breaking chips out instead of cutting. I try to clear the chips by just pecking the hole a little at a time. But, it still does the same thing. I'm afraid of breaking these small bits (#53, 47, etc...).

I see that McMaster-Carr has bits specifically for Brass and Bronze. Is it worth spending the extra $1 per bit? Or, do I just need to improve my technique?

Regards,
Todd

 

[crueby]

Which alloy brass are you using? The 260, cartridge brass, is not great at machoning, where 360 brass is much easier. Either way, feeding slow and backing out the drill frequently helps a lot. I have not used those special bits, so cant speak to them.

 

[SilverSanJuan]

Yeah, this would be the cartridge brass.

 

[crueby]

Yeah, this would be the cartridge brass.

yeah - I dont like working with cartridge brass, it seems to be pushed around by cutters more than shave off cleanly. If you can, find 360 brass, also called free machining brass. 353 brass (leaded brass) is also good to work with, usually used in clock gears.