- Joined
- Dec 17, 2012
- Messages
- 630
Decided to make me a little threading tool to use for internal threads (Well, external too as you will see.)
I started out with some 1/2in diameter W1 drill rod. Why W1? Because it was sitting next to my lathe, fit the boring bar holder, it was already cut off at a usable length, and I didn't feel like looking for my O1.
I cut a relief of about 1/8 or so (Now that I think about it, I never measured it as it didn't really matter.) I then set the compound to get a 60 degree included angle. I turned one side forward and then put it in reverse to cut on the back side so I didn't need to readjust the compound.
Stuck it in a boring bar holder and put a 1/2 in endmill in the lathe spindle and milled 1/2 of it off (well, a bit more than half to give me some clearance angle.)
I hardened it and tempered to a light straw color. Finally took my handy push button torch out of the package where it has lived ever since I brought it home. The gas was MAPP gas but propane would have worked just as well. I had bought the MAPP for some brazing.
Here is what it looks like on the other side.
Then I made a few test cuts on some aluminum. It cuts quite well and leaves a nice finish.
The top angle is just the radius of the 8in wet grinder I used to sharpen it. It cuts quite cleanly and I am really happy with it. I will make some more of different sizes and one cut on the back side to be able to get into smaller bores. I think I will also make one for 1/2-10 Acme so I can get a bit tighter tolerances than I get with the tap. I will also make myself a few counterbores for cap screws.
I started out with some 1/2in diameter W1 drill rod. Why W1? Because it was sitting next to my lathe, fit the boring bar holder, it was already cut off at a usable length, and I didn't feel like looking for my O1.
I cut a relief of about 1/8 or so (Now that I think about it, I never measured it as it didn't really matter.) I then set the compound to get a 60 degree included angle. I turned one side forward and then put it in reverse to cut on the back side so I didn't need to readjust the compound.
Stuck it in a boring bar holder and put a 1/2 in endmill in the lathe spindle and milled 1/2 of it off (well, a bit more than half to give me some clearance angle.)
I hardened it and tempered to a light straw color. Finally took my handy push button torch out of the package where it has lived ever since I brought it home. The gas was MAPP gas but propane would have worked just as well. I had bought the MAPP for some brazing.
Here is what it looks like on the other side.
Then I made a few test cuts on some aluminum. It cuts quite well and leaves a nice finish.
The top angle is just the radius of the 8in wet grinder I used to sharpen it. It cuts quite cleanly and I am really happy with it. I will make some more of different sizes and one cut on the back side to be able to get into smaller bores. I think I will also make one for 1/2-10 Acme so I can get a bit tighter tolerances than I get with the tap. I will also make myself a few counterbores for cap screws.