tap/die question

SteveB · 2005-06-12T16:33:17+00:00

I need a set of taps/dies. Mostly, I need them to chase threads, and to thread some light thin work. Nothing really heavy or any quantities. Only up to 3/8 diameter.Can anyone suggest a name brand or source of a decent set that won't set me back an arm and a leg. Standard sizes, standard threads, USS. Are el cheapos acceptable for light use?Geez, my dad used to have sets and sets of these, and boxes laying around with tons of them. What was I thinking? But, then, he had all Starrett tools, only one of which I ended up with. I really should have been paying attention.Steve

Jun 12, 2005 22 Replies

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James Waldby 21 years ago

Can only say "Huh?" to that.

Near the end of

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is picture

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with text, "My tapping unit is an old drill press body that has a hand wheel attached to the top spindle and another hand wheel to lift the tap. The spring has been removed. ..."

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Bob Engelhardt 21 years ago

Every time I read about a tapping fixture/tool, I appreciate the VFD on my drill press just a little more. To tap I turn the VFD to 5 Hz (30 spindle rpm), chuck up the tap and do it. The foot operated forward/reverse makes backing off (chip breaking) a piece of cake. And I never have to fuss with alignment - the tap is in the same chuck as the drill bit just was. Torque is sensed by hand-holding the vise.

Works for me, Bob

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