MACHINE SHOP TIPS #3 Tapping tubalcain

Tubalcain shows how to tap metal on the lathe & drill press

Category:

Education

Tags:

• bridgeport
• mill
• south
• bend
• lathe
• atlas
• clausing
• delta
• logan
• hardinge
• rockwell
• starrett

[mrpete222]

No--I have a set of those , but have no idea where I bought them.

[Petawatt]

Wonderful. Thank you.

Could you please cover threading dies, including round dies and hex shaped dies? I assume the adjustment on round dies are so you can make two passes on harder material and the hex dies are more for thread chasing than anything else, though I have cut threads with them too.

Have you ever mixed up a tapping fluid? Like lard or kerosene?

[mrpete222]

@Petawatt

Strange you should suggest that.. It will be my next video---probably 3 parts.

[tzkelley]

Why is it okay to power-thread but when hand tapping we have to back out every couple of turns?

[mrpete222]

@tzkelley We generally use a machine tap designed for power threading

[baconsoda]

WOOHOO...I spotted the left-hand thread...do I get a prize?

What impact do your videos have?... well, here's one. I now have the knowledge to enable me to make a 'steel snake' hollowing rig for woodturning which is going to open up a whole new world of turning for me. Thank you for passing on some of your knowledge, a lot of what you do seems really basic to you but, for people like me who never were in a machine shop at school (regrettably now), it's pure gold.

Best Wishes, Brendan.

[mrpete222]

@baconsoda  Thanks Brendan. You win a cigar.

[blanchae]

Thanks for posting your videos. Having "tapping" for 40 years now, it's nice to hear your tips. They are great. I appreciate the basic instructions - never too old to learn.

[smg1972]

I am a new student attending a welding and metal fab program at a community college in LA, Ca. I happened upon your videos, here on youtube, by way of a general "metalworking" search and I just wanted to say I enjoy your demo and explanation very much. I look forward to watching more and referring back to them often.

All the best,

Scott M. Girish

[huerdon]

In your demo did you pre tap the holes before the video? Then re-tap in pre-threaded holes? I've never seen tapping of any kind that fluid or easy. Turning the tap more than a few degrees at a time would result in a broken tap for sure.

[cpdvl57]

Whoops! I didn't realize I was watching part 3 of an infinite series. I went back and watched some of the other vids and you answered my question. HSS it is! I should have known you'd be so thorough. Thanks for all your tips. I like learning from you old-timers (no offense, age = wisdom). Your vids are making me get dangerously close to dusting off my 90 year old 9" south bend junior and ordering up a steam engine casting kit.

Regards,

Eric

[cpdvl57]

Thanks for the videos, love 'em! Very informative. I've been thinking of buying a large tap & die set. Is it worth shelling out the big bucks for a name brand set, or would a cheapo set from harbor freight work just as well? Also, what's the best type, carbide, high speed steel, etc.?

Eric

[poesloke]

Maybe I could make one out of an old spring punch?

[poesloke]

Thanks for the great videos. Can you provide any more information on the cup-tipped spring device? I can't seem to track one down in the catalogues. Thanks

[jh4dc5s]

Nice Vids. 

[Dancerpro1]

I know that in woodworking they mark the depth on the drill bit with a piece of tape. I hope this helps to save a tap.