08-20-2013, 10:19 AM
(08-19-2013, 04:50 PM)stevec Wrote: Dunno why your having problems tapping the round stock 1/4-20.
Are you power tapping?
If the hole is drilled #7 right thru it should be duck soup to power tap them with the lathe in a nice slow back gear.
What brand - quality are the taps?
Steve:
No, I am just feeding the tap by hand while supporting the wrench in the tail stock of the lathe. Drilled a #7 pilot hole right through the piece and I am using a good quality cutting oil and a good USA tap. The tap just feels really tight and I can only get one half a turn before I break the chip. When the tap broke I probably had tried to get three quarters of a turn on the tap and built up to large of a chip.This CRS I purchased from the local hardware store is really tough stuff. First time trying CRS usually I purchase hot rolled steel. I agree it should tap easier. I completed three holes and my 67 year old left arm was a little tired. Looks like it is going to be a slow process.
ml_woy, proud to be a member of MetalworkingFun since Jul 2012.