Tormach PCNC 1100 - Tapping with the Tormach! Creating tapped holes!

Creating tapped holes with the Tormach Tension/Compression Tapping Head!

Using Alibre CAD, SprutCAM to create Geometry & G-Code to tap a 1/4x20 hole in a piece of 6061 Aluminum with a spiral flute tap

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[SupermaxCNC]

Why in the world did you use a pilot bit?

[saunixcomp]

@SupermaxCNC Was taught that drills are more approprietely used by first piloting, due to the different SFM required for the smallest part of the hole (the center). I've since been told its unneccesary but have not thoroughly investigated.

[SupermaxCNC]

@saunixcomp

A pilot is rarely necessary. Many do it because they think it will result in a more accurate hole but when going through with the final size the bit can be pulled off to one side when it catches on the sharp edge of the hole. Best thing to do is spot with a spot drill of the same angle of the drill and then drill to final size. Also use screw machine length drills, not jobbers. If you get 135 deg jobbers you can often get away without spotting as they are as stiff as the spot drill.

[saunixcomp]

@SupermaxCNC Great tips. I will definitely try the 135 degree jobbers; would love to save a tool change!

[PetefromTn]

Nice work on the TTS tapping video, have you tried to tap a 1/2 inch thread yet? I am curious as to how well the head works with larger diameter cutters. They spec it for 1/2 inch but is that in aluminum or steel? Have you used it in any steel at all? I am using a CNC Converted RF45 mill with a sensorless vector and belt drive much like the tormach and I am seriously thinking about purchasing the tension compression tap head from them. What is your overall opinion of the quality of the unit ?

[saunixcomp]

@PetefromTn Thanks! No, have not. I'll give it a try in the coming months I'm sure. I can't answer aluminum versus steel, but I'm sure some of that has to do with what type of steel. I'm sure 12L14 is a lot easier than 4130. Also a question of thread depth. Using high quality taps is, obviously, a must. T/C head is great - seems like top quality and very pleased with the consistency and results.

[saunixcomp]

@joleenmorganjohn No, Tormach cannot do rigid tapping because it does not have a servo spindle. Calculating the Gcode to use the compression/tapping head is very easy.

[joleenmorganjohn]

Can the Tormach do rigid tapping? I was also curious, can you use and "E" value for the feed/pitch of tap? In other words when I program a tap cycle at work with fanuc control I use a G84 (tap cycle) and the feed value is expressed as E. "E" is the tap pitch . 1/4-20 would be E20. What ever rpm is chosen the machine will caculate the feed it needs at that rpm. Its super easy and no caculateing any thing. The only time you need to caculate is with a metric tap. convert the metric to S.A.E. pitch

[saunixcomp]

@Link383 No, the tapping code doesn't rely on a retract plane like a drilling cycle does; it simply G01's to a z-depth and then backs out. You can see sample code in my video above or at tormach.com/blog/?p=963

[Link383]

Do you have to worry about setting your R plane when you do all your drilling and tapping on the Tormach?