machining copper

[johnnyf]

My vise needs some new jaws so I thought I would make them from copper. I've never machined copper so any suggestions would be appreciated. Will need to square up the stock, size, drill and countersink the mounting holes.

John

[Carld]

Is that a bench vise or a mill vise?

[Fasttrack]

I hate machining copper; it is very gummy. I'd consider using something else that is cheaper and easier to deal with. How about brass?

If you are dead set on copper, I'm sure someone here can help you. My limited experience with it has not been pleasent, though.

[RKW]

This forum's search function returns 12 threads (including this one) about machining copper when using "machining copper" as the search criteria.

Btw, not trying to be a smart ass or anything but just wanted to point out the search function does work well if you use the correct criteria. Google too.

Old machinist books recommend milk ...

Best of luck

[Weston Bye]

Just yesterday I machined a couple of copper details for a resistance welding fixture. Took no special precautions, milling, drilling or tapping. Used ordinary cutting oil for tapping 1/4-20 threads. The metal is indeed gummy, but I had no problems.

[MotorradMike]

Hi John:

I asked that question a while back and the guys told me to use Milk as a cutting lubricant! I was having trouble drilling holes in 1/4" copper plate and the milk helped quite a bit.

I'd choose a different material for the jaws personally.

[38_Cal]

"I asked that question a while back and the guys told me to use Milk as a cutting lubricant! I was having trouble drilling holes in 1/4" copper plate and the milk helped quite a bit."

Is that regular, 2% low fat, 1% low fat or skim?

David

[PeteF]

Hi John:

I asked that question a while back and the guys told me to use Milk as a cutting lubricant! I was having trouble drilling holes in 1/4" copper plate and the milk helped quite a bit.

I'd choose a different material for the jaws personally.

I guess you know that "milk" is the jargon expression for soluble cutting oil once mixed with water ... and not the type that comes out of a cow

[johnnyf]

vise is 4" wilton machinist. It has beat up serrated steel jaws on it and I find that I prefer a little softer jaw.

john