Everyone here has some good advice. You might also try a soldering gun if you have one (Not a soldering pencil) heats up brass real quick. Don't have to worry about burning the wood although with even a minimum of care, you won't scorch it with even a propane torch. I just find the soldering gun gives a little more control than a torch or heat gun. I have a heat gun that will scorch wood easily if I fall asleep at the switch.