Wood and Metal threading

briz

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
When tapping threads in wood can I use the specs. for softer metals such as brass or aluminum as in their feed rates and cutting speeds, drill sizes, tap sizes etc. or is it a matter of trial & error or feel or what?
Thank You--- Brian
 
Tapping soft metal

briz said:
When tapping threads in wood can I use the specs. for softer metals such as brass or aluminum as in their feed rates and cutting speeds, drill sizes, tap sizes etc. or is it a matter of trial & error or feel or what?
Thank You--- Brian

>Hello Briz

>Left wood tapping technique on previous Tapping thread.
There is a book you should buy, The Home Machinist Handbook. It is available mailorder from Lee Valley Tools web site, www.leevalley.com , for about $22 plus shipping.
>Lucky number when using machine taps is about 125 rpm. Tap drill sizes are best found on pocket or wall charts handed out by wholesale distributors. If available manufacturers hand bools are excellent especially Dormer.
>Hand taps are just that with no RPM. 3/4 turn forward 3/8 back to break chip. Hand taps work best guided by drill chuck or solid block with nominal size machine drilled in it held against surface being tapped. The very best hand taps I have found are made by R&N ( Reiff and Nestor
Lykens, Pa. ) and worth the premium price.

Trueheart
 
Trueheart said:
>Hello Briz

>Left wood tapping technique on previous Tapping thread.
There is a book you should buy, The Home Machinist Handbook. It is available mailorder from Lee Valley Tools web site, www.leevalley.com , for about $22 plus shipping.
>Lucky number when using machine taps is about 125 rpm. Tap drill sizes are best found on pocket or wall charts handed out by wholesale distributors. If available manufacturers hand bools are excellent especially Dormer.
>Hand taps are just that with no RPM. 3/4 turn forward 3/8 back to break chip. Hand taps work best guided by drill chuck or solid block with nominal size machine drilled in it held against surface being tapped. The very best hand taps I have found are made by R&N ( Reiff and Nestor
Lykens, Pa. ) and worth the premium price.

Trueheart

Hi TH
Thanks again for the info. Hope one day I can reciprocate.

Brian
 
I usually hand tap through a tailstock, basically the same as mentioned already. Sometimes I might drill and tap holes for another project on a small mill I have, even do those the same way, altough the stroke may be a little less before you back off with aluminum, as oposed to wood. The back of one of My tap handles has a bore in the end. I have a dummy, basically just a rod that's real close to the dia. of the bore in the end of the tap, I mount that in the mills spindle to guide the tap, and i tap the hole By hand with no power. that assures it starts out correctly, and taps the hole straight. Some people tap under power, and they both work fine, just the way I go about it.

Greg
 
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If it helps, I vary my hole sizes depending on where I buy the screws. the screws may vary in size depending on suppliers. I have a few different size taps but they do get you on the set up charge.
 
Michael Webb said:
If it helps, I vary my hole sizes depending on where I buy the screws. the screws may vary in size depending on suppliers. I have a few different size taps but they do get you on the set up charge.



I vary Mine also, don't know what i would do without that trick. Makes for the perfect fit IMO. But HMMM, wonder where I learned that one. Thanks Mike.;) That Has really made some nice snug joints for me, and it shows in the way they feel to Me.
 
Same here, you've been really good to me, and I won't forget it. I'm just starting to try some of the stuff I have'nt had a chance to yet, But it's already showing in improvements I've made in My own game, so I can't thank you enough. Your a true gentleman.

Thanks,

Greg
 
Cue Crazy said:
Same here, you've been really good to me, and I won't forget it. I'm just starting to try some of the stuff I have'nt had a chance to yet, But it's already showing in improvements I've made in My own game, so I can't thank you enough. Your a true gentleman.

Thanks,

Greg
Tap Tap !!!!! I second that He is a true gentleman and a credit to all for the help you offer. Thank You !!!!
 
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