Screw Making: Making a rounded edge on the screw tip

a) form tool

b) file

c) 45 degree chamfer tool, then file.

Jim

================================================== please reply to: JRR(zero) at yktvmv (dot) vnet (dot) ibm (dot) com ==================================================

What kind of tools do you have available?

A lathe with a form tool if you have to make lots, a file if you only need one or two.

You can use a bench grinder or belt/disk sander if a chamfer will do... You can create a chamfer with just a file as well.

Which round edge are you trying to make? I'm assuming the threaded part, as opposed to the head. If so, I don't really see why you'd need a round as opposed to a chamfer...?

HTH.

Regards,

Robin

Or, pre-lathe, chuck in portable drill and spin against file, then finish on oiled abrasive paper cupped in your palm (I think I'd prefer to do this before it's threaded). Wobble the drill around to average out errors. Real quick, and better finish than you'd think.

Pete Keillor

"George Sohnle"

I assume you want to get rid of that horrible sharp, tapering splinter of metal left after the thread finishes at the beginning of a thread*. I use a very small ( jewelers ) file with a safe edge and just file it down to the root diameter through about one third the circumference. By the way, those thread 'splinters' are diabolical if you get one inserted into your finger as the rod rotates and you go cleaning it with paper held in your fingers. OUCH ! Best to remove it and show what a pro you are.

Dean.

• I dont know how the thread finishes at the begining of a thread either ! I guess space really is curved. Now let me have another go at cutting that Mobius strip in 2 halves just one more time.

Everybody forgot to tell you the Real secret... Turn the rod backwards in the lathe or drill as you file it, or turn it. Grind a tool for the back side, and run it in reverse.

This will round it off, without grabbing the thread.

Pete

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for all the posts! Learned a few new tricks. I was really wondering if there is some type of "jig" I an make, thought of putting 2 files at angles to eachother. Or is there any "Dies", like to make screw threads, but instead it would make a round edge. Also wondering how screw mfg's put that "Ball End" on their screw.

Thanks Again for all your help!!

George