12-20 Tap Can You make One?

[mwebster51]

Hi guys. Do any of you have the ability to make a 12-20 tap HSS. It was a thread used in the old Stanley planes. I have not been able to find a retailer who sells or has any in stock.
If you can make one do you have any idea what it would cost to make a few?
Thanks

 

[BtoVin83]

Like this?

 

[mwebster51]

Yes as you can see they are out of stock and have been for months

 

[JRaut]

Here's one on eBay for $14 delivered by the end of the week.

Wiley & Russell #12-20 Thread Special Pitch 4-Flute Taps used on Stanley planes | eBay

Used on Stanley plane castings where the totes & knobs threaded rods insert.

www.ebay.com

There may be others, but that one popped up first.

Someone'd have to be working below minimum wage to get you something any cheaper.

 

[Jimsehr]

I googled 12-20 tap and got buried with results.

 

[mwebster51]

I bought that one on ebay about an hour ago. That was the last one and it is apparently used. I need to find some more for back up.

 

[mwebster51]

I have checked every hit on google and it leads to a dead end.

 

[mwebster51]

At least every hit I could find

 

[JRaut]

After a few minutes of searching, I see what you mean... seems like a lot of demand from folks restoring planes, but little to no supply anywhere.

I suppose you're just chasing out existing threads, and not cutting brand new threads, correct?

If that's the case, seems like a reasonably easy job using some prehard 4140 steel or something like that.

Shoot me over $20 and your recommendation for a good 6-pack of beer and I can give it a shot for ya. They'd be good for chasing existing threads, and certainly wouldn't last as long as a commercial tap. But I could make a few; I think I've got some 4140 lying around.

 

[mwebster51]

Normally I would be chasing the existing thread. I crumbled the two taps today though. I was making a screw tree I use to bead blast screws for the old Stanleys I refurbish. So could occasionally use the taps for "mild" steel. Here is the screw tree. It has other thread on it but 3 of them were the 12-20. I will PM you my email maybe we can work something out. I do like my beer