I have a small one that I use with my small taps but would like one larger to hold up to 5/8 taps and still fit in my 1/2 tail stock chuck. Does anyone know where I can buy this?
Thanks,
JC
JC,
Make your own. It depends on the tap wrench that you already have - hopefully one that the cross handle is removable. Measure the handle, drill out the top hole in the tap handle just 2-3 thousandths larger than the handle diameter and down into the body. Then you mount the cross handle in the tailstock chuck, slide the body onto it, and tap away. Everything is lined up perfectly. As the tap goes into the wood, and gets near the end of the rod/handle, move the tailstock closer.
Tap handles are made from fairly soft steel, so it's not too hard to drill.
Hope this helps,
Gary
Problem is they don't make that style of tap wrench that will fit a 5/8" tap, the square on the end is too big. The biggest they make will handle a 1/2" tap I believe.

John, that's an awesome idea....I have a few taps that I could do this to. Thanks for the idea.You guys got me to thinking so I drilled a 1/4 inch hole down the center of the tap I want to use 1 3/4 deep with a carbide bit and made my own. Insert 1/4" rod in tail stock and presto. Now I can just hold it with my bar type tap holder.:smile:
Not a holder per se but does the job I wanted to do. Total expenditure, zero.
View attachment 422803
Thanks,
John
John, that's an awesome idea....I have a few taps that I could do this to. Thanks for the idea.
Dave