Taps

[PoconoJohn]

Just spent a few days researching taps. Totally frustrating.

[dougm]

I used a four flute tap both right & left hand and had no problems. There is certainly a lot to learn when building a plane, but don't let it get to you. Try something, if it doesn't work go to plan B and keep on plugging. I'd buy a four flute tap and give it a shot. As for the tap wrench, why not buy a non-ratcheting one, then it works in both directions? Or do it on the lathe.

I bought mine from Wholesale Tool, but any supply house will do. The only reason I used Wholesale Tool was, at the time, they had a store location 10 minutes from the shop I was using.

I used something like this:
https://www.mscdirect.com/product/40204620

[Bitshifter]

I have been using four flute taps and cutting oil and have had no problems. I use a ratcheting tap handle that will lock if needed. If I had a lathe I would probably use that but I would rotate the chuck by hand, not under power, just personal preference.

[PoconoJohn]

Found a tap wrench at MSC, but it's $15 cheaper at Amazon for the exact same brand/model (for use up to 1/2"):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004 ... PDKIKX0DER

Spring center:

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=PW328-1923

Still going through MSC for cutters.

At the machinist forum, someone said I'd need a left wrench for left tap, so I zeroed in on a ratchet wrench, which I think works in both directions. Doug, you say a non-ratchet will work?

[dougm]

Yes, a non-ratcheting type will work, or a ratcheting one that locks. Also, as Ed pointed out, you can use the lathe but rotate the chuck manually. This is a good option as it ensures you will always have the tap correctly lined up with the hole and saves your hands from hand tapping all those plugs.

[alvinsager]

Hi,
If you will be threading in a lathe, forget the tap wrench and hold the tap in a drill chuck in the tailstock. Do not lock the tailstock so that the tap can advance as the thread goes deeper. Turn the chuck (with the work) by hand as was mentioned before. Spiral pointed taps should be used when there is a through hole because they direct the chips ahead of the tap. I have seen spiral pointed taps with both two and three flutes. For conventional taps in 5/15-24 size, the number of flutes should not matter. When the tap is small with a coarse thread ( 6-32), fewer flutes makes the tap harder to break. My preferred source is McMaster Carr, but only because they are close enough to give same day delivery. MSC has pretty much the same selection.
Al

[dougm]

Hi,
If you will be threading in a lathe, forget the tap wrench and hold the tap in a drill chuck in the tailstock. Do not lock the tailstock so that the tap can advance as the thread goes deeper. Turn the chuck (with the work) by hand as was mentioned before.
Al

Exactly. This would be my first choice.

[PoconoJohn]

Thanks! Been watching many videos on YouTube by this guy tubalcain. In this one, he shows several ways to use the lathe (starts at 3:54): http://youtu.be/JTEra2ROUfU

[orchardair]

I will confess ignorance, and ask the question: Where do you need a left-hand thread in this project?

Thanks.

[PoconoJohn]

Hi,
If you will be threading in a lathe, forget the tap wrench and hold the tap in a drill chuck in the tailstock. Do not lock the tailstock so that the tap can advance as the thread goes deeper. Turn the chuck (with the work) by hand as was mentioned before. Spiral pointed taps should be used when there is a through hole because they direct the chips ahead of the tap. I have seen spiral pointed taps with both two and three flutes. For conventional taps in 5/15-24 size, the number of flutes should not matter. When the tap is small with a coarse thread ( 6-32), fewer flutes makes the tap harder to break. My preferred source is McMaster Carr, but only because they are close enough to give same day delivery. MSC has pretty much the same selection.
Al

I have a threaded spindle, so not sure if I'll be able to do that...I will try it though before I spend $50 on wrench and spring center.

As far as left threads, I'm not that far along yet, but I believe sheet 20 has some. Maybe sheet 7 and 18 too?