10-16-2013, 06:24 PM
I have had a tailstock tap and die holder on my project list for a long time. I was modeling after the Neil Butterfield system, which was traditionally a MT1 or MT2 set up. I noticed that he had now started supplying a MT3 set up so I bit the bullet and ordered one. While I was at it, I ordered the Soba set from Chonos in UK to compare them.
Ordered this Soba tailstock die holder from Chronos in the UK. Paid about $65.00 for it after the dust settled. It arrived in about a week.
[attachment=7020]
Ordered a similar setup from Neil Butterfield on the same day. This set up was about $267.00 after the dust settled.
[attachment=7021]
[attachment=7019]
Here are my observations
The Soba Set, most of the die holders were undersized, IE the 1" holder was 0.995" and so dies would not slide into it. also any set screw holes had flashing and burrs on the inside. After regrinding them they worked fine. All die holders were drilled and tapped and three set screws were supplied with each. Came with 6 holders 5/8, 3/4, 13/16, 1, 30 mm (not the 1-5/16 as stated) and 1-1/2. Did not include a way to hold taps.
The bore of the 1-1/2" holder was 16 mm and the MT3 shaft was not bored out so only short lengths of thread could be handled.
All parts were black finished.
The set from Neil, was well made, no burrs and the dies slid into the holders like hands into a glove. Downside was that holders were drilled and tapped for two set screws 180 deg apart. I knew this when I ordered the set and added the two extra set screws at 90 deg 45 each side of one of the screws for adjustable dies.
The big plus with this system is that it comes with two die holders that hold from #0 to 1/2" taps. and that the MT tailstock arbour is drilled out so long threads can be made.
The tommy bar is twice as long and much heavier steel than the Soba set.
Also I had Neil make the 1-1/2" holder longer so that it would thread at least 2" long 3/4" thread which is standard for a 3/4" bolt. (not shown in picture)
Finish on this set was bright steel. Knurling was light on the hand grip with no sharp edges. Soba set was not knurled at all.
All in all, both are very servicable fixtures, but my nod goes to Neil's set.
Walter
Ordered this Soba tailstock die holder from Chronos in the UK. Paid about $65.00 for it after the dust settled. It arrived in about a week.
[attachment=7020]
Ordered a similar setup from Neil Butterfield on the same day. This set up was about $267.00 after the dust settled.
[attachment=7021]
[attachment=7019]
Here are my observations
The Soba Set, most of the die holders were undersized, IE the 1" holder was 0.995" and so dies would not slide into it. also any set screw holes had flashing and burrs on the inside. After regrinding them they worked fine. All die holders were drilled and tapped and three set screws were supplied with each. Came with 6 holders 5/8, 3/4, 13/16, 1, 30 mm (not the 1-5/16 as stated) and 1-1/2. Did not include a way to hold taps.
The bore of the 1-1/2" holder was 16 mm and the MT3 shaft was not bored out so only short lengths of thread could be handled.
All parts were black finished.
The set from Neil, was well made, no burrs and the dies slid into the holders like hands into a glove. Downside was that holders were drilled and tapped for two set screws 180 deg apart. I knew this when I ordered the set and added the two extra set screws at 90 deg 45 each side of one of the screws for adjustable dies.
The big plus with this system is that it comes with two die holders that hold from #0 to 1/2" taps. and that the MT tailstock arbour is drilled out so long threads can be made.
The tommy bar is twice as long and much heavier steel than the Soba set.
Also I had Neil make the 1-1/2" holder longer so that it would thread at least 2" long 3/4" thread which is standard for a 3/4" bolt. (not shown in picture)
Finish on this set was bright steel. Knurling was light on the hand grip with no sharp edges. Soba set was not knurled at all.
All in all, both are very servicable fixtures, but my nod goes to Neil's set.
Walter
