Hi all,
I need to precision repeat cut 0.75" thick brass rod. To achieve that I am planning to use a cut-off wheel in a lathe spindle. The problem is that most Metal cutting wheels have aluminum oxide in them which it is said can harm lathe parts such as spindle motor and ways/lead-screws. The manufacturer of my lathe (sherline) does not advise to use a grinding wheel near the lathe because of the aluminum oxide dust which can shorten the life of the lathe if it gets inside the parts. The amount of aluminum oxide in a 0.045" thick cut-off wheel is certainly much lower than in a grinding wheel but still ... Does anyone think that should not be a worry, that the amount of alu-oxide in a cut-off wheel is negligible for the purposes of not damaging my lathe?
So anyway I am looking at alternative blade materials to cut brass. Can anyone suggest what other type of cutoff wheel would be best suited to cut brass? Need to take many cuts at a time so a wheel that cuts clean and doesn't brake easily is preferable.
I saw diamond edge, and carbide edge wheels but I don't know if they are suitable/ideal for thick brass.
I would appreciate any help,
Thanks
Jim