Tap alignment in the mill and lathe?

[John HinkleyParticipant @johnhinkley26699]

Some while ago, I made the Hemingway tailstock die holder and was extremely pleased with its effectiveness and design.  As I read through this thread, it occurred to me that a slight modification to the die-holding arrangement would allow a tap to be held in the device and the cone clutch of the die holder used to control the feed of the tap into the workpiece, thus avoiding, or at least reducing, the risk of tap breakage.  Sort of extension to Howard’s suggestion, above.  Of course, it does mean making the Hemingway kit in the first place, but that in itself is a worthwhile project in my opinion.

John

 

[Bo’sunParticipant @bosun58570]

Mmm.  Maybe there’s a market for a Tailstock Die Holder tap adaptor?

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

They are available I’ve posted this before they are availably in this form and also ones that fit into the holder inplace of the actual die.

Tailstock Tap & Die Holder 9pc Set

https://www.chronos.ltd.uk/product/new-3mt-tailstock-die-holder-tap-holder-set/

[Bo’sunParticipant @bosun58570]

Thanks Jason,

Yes, I’ve seen those, but was a little wary.  They look to have the same style chuck that you see on ‘T’ handle tap wrenches (I could be wrong of course), and judging by Joe Pie’s video, they may not hold the tap true enough.  What was your opinion of them?

[John HinkleyParticipant @johnhinkley26699]

Not quite the same, Jason.  The Hemingway version allows you to ‘slip the clutch’ to give greater control of the tapping speed, irrespective of the speed of the lathe chuck. Ditto with a die.  Either procedure can thus be halted instantly just by releasing pressure on the lever. I also personally don’t fancy gripping a rotating tap or die holder with my tender mitts.

John

 

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Its not a problem for those with builders hands☺

Yes that one has the two jaws with a Vee in each like an old brace and bit. Not noticed any problems in use but I will have a measure tomorrow and see if there is any  thing worth worrying about. I see quite a few people here suggesting the use of tee handle type wrenches with a pin/ctr at the back so must be good enough for them too.

[John HinkleyParticipant @johnhinkley26699]

I agree, Jason. Simple is often better, I find.  But what’s the fun in that?  Nuts and sledgehammers come to mind.

John

 

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

your suggestion John about a conversion piece for the Hemingway kit has its merits especially if made as an ER nose so tap holding collets could be used. I feel a project coming on!!!

[John HinkleyParticipant @johnhinkley26699]

Bernard,

I no longer have the Hemingway die holder in my possession, nor the lathe for I which made it. Nevertheless I went as far as looking for a suitable ER20 chuck with parallel shank suitable for such a conversion. Readily available in the ten to twenty pound range.

John

 

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

John,

Yes i had thought of going that route but I think that a custom one that looks part of the original design might be better. will get back to you in xxxxxxxxmonths!!!

[Bo’sun]

On Bo’sun Said:

Thanks Jason,

Yes, I’ve seen those, but was a little wary.  They look to have the same style chuck that you see on ‘T’ handle tap wrenches (I could be wrong of course), and judging by Joe Pie’s video, they may not hold the tap true enough.  What was your opinion of them?

As I said they work, not sure how true you or Mr Pie feel you need but 0.001″ at the square end is plenty good enough for me, the business end will ctr itself in the hole.

So what Accuracy are YOU actually wanting?

[Bo’sunParticipant @bosun58570]

A single thou’ is more than adequate, just thought I’d ask.  That’s really good for a relatively inexpensive tool.  Thanks for checking it out.

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