Need help using mirror to guide tap straight

I have read in several sources that a mirror can be used to guide a tap in straight when tapping by hand. However, they don't explain how exactly to use the mirror. I'm too retarded to figure it out. Can anyone help?

Reply to
John Albers
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This is an old trick. Lay the mirror down on the workpiece, flat, in front of the tap.

The mirror doubles any angular error that is present, if the tap is coming in at a small angle from the right, its reflection will be below the tap, but also to the right. The tap and its reflection has to be straight.

/ / / / ------------------------------- (mirror) \ \ \ \

That sort of thing.

Jim

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Reply to
jim rozen

Good for East and West. Do you need a second mirror for North and South?

Reply to
Randy Replogle

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