Question about solid brass

[Aaron Vice]

So I've seen several calls with solid brass incorporated into them, whether it be the mouthpiece, or where the band goes, or in some cases the entire call is made of brass.

Are any of these features being done on the wood lathe, or is this done strictly on a metal lathe? I've seen where some will chamfer the edges of a brass band with a carbide tool, but just wondered about the larger pieces.

[Andrew of HaddenHailers]

Aaron, I just turn it by hand on my wood lathe.  Sometimes I pre turn it to about the size or shape, then glue it on.  And sometimes I just glue it on my tenon and start turning.  The only draw back to the second one is that you'll need to give it sometime to cool down periodically.  I use epoxy to adhere it, along with scuffing the brass real good with high grit sand paper, and if it gets too hot, the glue will let go.

Hope this helps,

Andrew

[Aaron Vice]

Aaron, I just turn it by hand on my wood lathe.  Sometimes I pre turn it to about the size or shape, then glue it on.  And sometimes I just glue it on my tenon and start turning.  The only draw back to the second one is that you'll need to give it sometime to cool down periodically.  I use epoxy to adhere it, along with scuffing the brass real good with high grit sand paper, and if it gets too hot, the glue will let go.

Hope this helps,

Andrew

Andrew,

are you using standard woodturning tools?

[Andrew of HaddenHailers]

Yep! I use my carbide cutters on it as well as my standard high speed steel.

[Aaron at Wingerts Woodworks]

Brass is not hard to turn, just have to go slow and sharpen more often.  It is actually a blast to drill! 

[Andrew of HaddenHailers]

Brass is not hard to turn, just have to go slow and sharpen more often.  It is actually a blast to drill!

Aaron, you gave me the courage to try it far my copper call.  Thought I was done with metal turning after that crap lol.

Thanks,

Andrew

[Aaron at Wingerts Woodworks]

Brass ought to be about 50 times easier than copper! 

[Willow Creek Duck Calls]

Brass is great to work with! Can get $$ if you are turning Naval Brass. Try to keep the heat down and use Carbide tools.

[CScallmaker]

what type of brass are you guys usually using to turn?