Hi all,

Ever since I got my X2 mill and C3 lathe, I have been playing around with aluminium. Just today I thought why not do some machining with brass and guess what I found out. Brass is easier to tap than aluminium. I thought brass is harder than aluminium, but why is it easier to tap. Also, when I drill hole in brass, the brass bits coming off the drilling is powdery unlike aluminium which is sharp.

I am new to metal machining so apology if the above sound silly. Anyway, after finding out what happen to brass I am now thinking about getting some steel to machine and tap. I wonder if it is easier to tap than aluminium.

Also why aren't people using more brass to work with? Is it because its more expensive? Is brass stronger than aluminium? Thanks in advance.