--- title: Machining Brass in Reno: Fittings and Bushings | Wolf Machine url: https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/brass/ business: Wolf Machine & Fabrication, Inc. address: 4812 Longley Ln, Reno, NV 89502 phone: (775) 359-5570 hours: Shop Monday-Friday 7:00 am-3:30 pm; closed Saturday and Sunday type: Metal and plastic fabrication and machining (custom and CNC machining, welding, metal and plastic fabrication, gearbox and part repair, align boring, metal spray) --- [Photo: Stock photo: turning a brass part on a lathe, brass chips below] - [Home](https://wolfmachinenv.com/) - [Materials we machine](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/) - Brass # Machining brass We machine brass at our Reno shop, and it is among the easiest metals to turn and mill. It is used for fittings, valve parts, bushings and fasteners where the load is light and the part has to stay clean and corrosion resistant. Stock photo: turning a brass part on a lathe, brass chips below Brass is copper alloyed with zinc, and the zinc is what gives it a bright color and its cutting behavior. Brass parts tend to be small, round and precise, which is why a lathe is usually where they start. ## At a glance - We machine brass at our Reno shop - Free-machining grades cut fast with short chips - Fittings, valve parts, bushings and nozzles - Good for clean, low-load service - Bronze, which handles bearing duty, has its own page Love working with these guys, and gal. Great customer service and knowledgeable skill base. They have helped with many big projects and have always pulled though when our machines went down. JoHannah W. ยท Google review, March 2017 [Leave us a Google review](https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=ChIJVWVOfCI_mYARibcFMPsDEKc) ## Why brass machines so fast The common free-machining brass, C360, has a small amount of lead in it. The lead makes the chip break into short pieces instead of curling into long ribbons. Short chips clear the tool, leave a smooth finish and let the machine run at high speed. That is why brass is the metal other metals are compared against when machinability is rated. Brass without lead, such as the alloys used where drinking-water rules apply, cuts less freely. If your drawing or your use calls for a particular alloy, give us the grade. ## What brass is used for Brass resists corrosion, conducts well and does not spark easily. That makes it a normal choice for fittings, valve parts, fasteners, instrument parts and bushings under light loads. It wears well against steel at low pressure but is not the first pick for a heavily loaded bearing. When the load, speed or heat goes up, the usual step is to move to [bronze](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/bronze/), which is tougher in bearing service. ## What to send A drawing or a worn sample is a good start. A sample lets us measure threads and diameters directly. Include the quantity, the fluid or environment the part sees and any finish on the sealing surface. For a single replacement or a short run, use the quote request or call [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570). The related page on [copper](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/copper/) explains the base metal that brass is built on. ### Sources - [Copper Development Association: copper and copper alloys](https://www.copper.org/resources/properties/) (2026-10-18) ### Brass parts - Fittings, couplings and adapters - Valve stems, seats and bodies - Nozzles and spray parts - Light-duty bushings and washers - Decorative and instrument parts ### How to send us the job Tell us the material if you know it, the quantity and when you need it, then attach the drawing or photos. We review requests during shop hours and call or email with questions. [Request a quote](#quote) [What to put on a drawing](https://wolfmachinenv.com/guides/what-to-put-on-a-drawing/) ### Talk to the shop [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) | Monday to Friday | 7:00 am - 3:30 pm | |---|---| | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Request a quote](#quote) ### Related - [Bronze](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/bronze/) - [Copper](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/copper/) - [Part design and parts made from samples](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/part-design-from-samples/) - [Custom machining](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/custom-machining/) - [Materials we machine](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/) ## Other materials [Aluminum](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/aluminum/) [Bronze](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/bronze/) [Copper](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/copper/) [Plastics](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/plastics/) [Stainless steel](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/stainless-steel/) [Steels and steel alloys](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/steel-and-steel-alloys/) [Titanium](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/titanium/) [Tool steels](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/tool-steels/) ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570), Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. ### Is brass the same as bronze? No. Brass is copper with zinc, and bronze is copper with tin or other elements. Brass suits light loads and clean service, while bronze is the common choice for bearings. ### Can you copy a worn brass fitting? Yes, from the sample. We measure it and make a new one, and we can help with the drawing. [Photo: Stock photo: a lathe turning a bar, hot chips flying] ## Request a quote Tell us what you need, attach a drawing or photos of the part, and we will get back to you during shop hours. Free consultations; prompt estimates. [Call (775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) - From your specifications, drawings or samples. We can also assist you in designing your product or part. - Free consultations and prompt estimates - Stands behind the work: Our rates are very competitive and our quality is second-to-none. Wolf Machine stands behind the work we perform. - Company accounts: all major credit cards, or we can open an account for your company Shop hours Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. Send your request any time and we will get back to you during shop hours. Stock photo: a lathe turning a bar, hot chips flying