Free-machining brass like C360 is one of the easiest metals to cut. It produces short, clean chips and tolerates high speeds. The main thing to watch is that a sharp positive-rake tool can grab and self-feed into thin or unsupported parts.
Convert SFM to RPM: RPM = (SFM × 3.82) / cutter diameter (in). Then feed (IPM) = RPM × chip load × flutes. Use the Feeds & Speeds calculators.
Cutting speeds (SFM)
| Operation | HSS (SFM) | Carbide (SFM) |
|---|---|---|
| Milling | 150 – 250 | 400 – 700 |
| Turning | 200 – 300 | 500 – 900 |
| Drilling | 150 – 250 | 350 – 600 |
Recommended chip load
| End mill diameter | Chip load (in/tooth) |
|---|---|
| 1/8 in | 0.0008 – 0.0015 |
| 1/4 in | 0.0015 – 0.0030 |
| 3/8 in | 0.0025 – 0.0040 |
| 1/2 in | 0.0030 – 0.0050 |
| 3/4 in | 0.0040 – 0.0065 |
| 1 in | 0.0050 – 0.0080 |
Starting points for general work. Defer to your tooling manufacturer and adjust for rigidity, coolant, and depth of cut.
Tips
- Use sharp tools; brass cuts cleanly and does not need heavy coolant.
- On thin parts, a slightly neutral or negative rake stops the tool from grabbing and self-feeding.
- Chips are short and crumbly, so chip evacuation is rarely a problem.
- Leaded free-machining grades cut faster than naval or cartridge brass.
See the full Feeds and Speeds Chart for every material side by side.