Cut Length Metals: The Smarter Way to Buy Metal for Your Next Project

The short answer: Choose brass stock by the part you intend to make. Confirm the alloy, profile, section size, cut length and any finish requirements before ordering. If a drawing specifies an alloy or standard, use that specification rather than choosing by appearance alone.

Brass is popular with machinists, restorers and makers because it can produce functional parts with a distinctive appearance. But “a piece of brass” is not enough information for a reliable order.

Start with the required alloy

Different brass alloys have different compositions and properties. Cut Length Metals lists 385 brass in parts of its bar and tube range. If your drawing calls for a particular alloy, check that the listed product matches it before buying.

This is especially important for components with regulatory, water-contact or other application-specific requirements. Select material according to the job specification.

Choose a profile close to the finished part

The starting shape affects how much material you need to remove:

• Round bar suits turned parts, pins, knobs and many cylindrical components.

• Square bar suits parts that need square stock or will be machined into a square-based shape.

• Flat bar can be a practical starting point for plates, straps and rectangular parts.

• Hex bar can suit parts designed around external flats, subject to the sizes available.

Browse the brass range and compare the listed shapes and sizes.

Check the stock size against the finished dimension

A finished 25 mm component does not necessarily start with 25 mm stock. Allow enough material for your machining process, workholding and any required cleanup. Your drawing, machine setup and tolerance determine the appropriate allowance.

For round bar, specify diameter. For flat bar, specify width and thickness. For square or hex bar, use the dimension convention shown on the product listing or confirm it with us.

Specify the cut length

Give the length of the piece you want supplied, not just the length of the finished component. If you need extra material for chucking or facing, include it in the requested cut length.

For repeat parts, list the number of blanks at each length. Clear quantities make quoting and future reordering easier.

Be clear about finish

Cut stock is not automatically a polished finished component. If surface appearance matters, describe the finish you need and ask about polishing or other preparation before placing the order.

Order brass cut to length

Cut Length Metals supplies brass cut to length from Caboolture, Queensland, with Australia-wide shipping and no minimum order quantity. Whether you need one blank for a restoration or a repeat batch for production, begin with the alloy, profile, stock size, cut length and quantity.

Explore our brass range, or contact us with your drawing or cut list so we can help confirm the available stock.