really embarrissing question

bauercrew

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bought some phenolic rod from atlas trying to make inserts,bought a 1/2 x 20 tap and die from snap on tools ,but when i try to use the die it just dosent make threads it sort of chews it up and when i use the tap on shaft does the same thing but leaves the hole bigger so what should i trim the rod down to and what size hole should i bore for shaft,i also tryed the press in method but that didnt go to well , split the shaft:embarrassed2:,thank god it was a scrap shaft so any help greatly thankfull,,,,im running out of scrap shafts;) NEVER had ANY problems threading metal,,,,but this wood stuff is driving me crazy,oh and yes i am going slow and backing out and in slow and useing wax,oh and live threading is not an option,that would be more like grounds for a divorce.:eek:
 
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bought some phenolic rod from atlas trying to make inserts,bought a 1/2 x 20 tap and die from snap on tools ,but when i try to use the die it just dosent make threads it sort of chews it up and when i use the tap on shaft does the same thing but leaves the hole bigger so what should i trim the rod down to and what size hole should i bore for shaft,i also tryed the press in method but that didnt go to well , split the shaft:embarrassed2:,thank god it was a scrap shaft so any help greatly thankfull,,,,im running out of scrap shafts;) NEVER had ANY problems threading metal,,,,but this wood stuff is driving me crazy,oh and yes i am going slow and backing out and in slow and useing wax,oh and live threading is not an option,that would be more like grounds for a divorce.:eek:

My first guess s that the hole diameter you are drilling is not correct. Wood will not tap at the same depth as metal. try some test pieces you get the right diameter. They don't have to be shafts, just the same kind of wood.
Measure the tap with a caliper, and try drilling .020 under and see how it works. Try larger or smaller by .005 increments until you get the most thread engaugement.

You are probably getting a similar problem with using the die on the phenolic. Try cutting it down slightly. Use a caliper on the inside of the die. Then cut the phenolic to about .020 over and do the same as with the tap, keep trying
.005 larger until it doesn't work any more. If it doesn't go a little smaller.

Also, you don't really need to tap the wood or phenolic to install a phenolic insert. You can just make a plug. Face it off, then drill and tap the plug. don't try to press it in. Make it slide in easily but without play. Epoxy will stick to the phenolic as well as the wood. Maybe just rough the phenolic with sand paper. You can also make some slight grooves in the phenolic for glue to set in.

Anybody else with more experience or better ideas feel free to chime in and tell me I am f.o.s.
 
Hi

After waxing the glue or epoxy you use will not form a bond with the wood / insert interface where ever the residual wax is present. If you live thread using your lathe the thread will be clean and no need for wax.

IMO a properly fit insert with filed v groove foundation notches and a slow cure epoxy with the proper interference fit between ID, OD is way overkill and takes less time and effort to perform.

JMO,

Rick
 
bought some phenolic rod from atlas trying to make inserts,bought a 1/2 x 20 tap and die from snap on tools ,but when i try to use the die it just dosent make threads it sort of chews it up and when i use the tap on shaft does the same thing but leaves the hole bigger so what should i trim the rod down to and what size hole should i bore for shaft,i also tryed the press in method but that didnt go to well , split the shaft:embarrassed2:,thank god it was a scrap shaft so any help greatly thankfull,,,,im running out of scrap shafts;) NEVER had ANY problems threading metal,,,,but this wood stuff is driving me crazy,oh and yes i am going slow and backing out and in slow and useing wax,oh and live threading is not an option,that would be more like grounds for a divorce.:eek:

The 1/2-13 would probably be a better choice. A courser thread has a better chance of happening in wood or Phenolic than a fine thread. The threads are only to hold the insert in place until the epoxy sets.......... I have learned that threading the insert into its hole is totally not necessary..... (see Rick's post above)

Kim
 
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