There have been countless designs for this project and I found myself needing a die head to make straight threads quickly on my lathe. This was my version.
I made an arbor with an MT2 taper on one end to fit my tail stock and a 1/2" shaft on the other end. The shaft slides into the rear of the die head wich is made from a 2" diameter piece of steel bored to hold a 1 1/2" die in one end and bored to 1/2" for a sliding fit on the other end. Some knurling for good looks and polishing for the shiny look. 4 holes, 1/2" x 3/4" deep, 90 degrees apart for a tommy bar. I also made an insert to use my 1" diameter dies. As you thread the head slides forward on the shaft keeping your alignment. This has been a very use full tool for starting straight threads when using a die. I make prints for most of the projects I make if anyone wants them.
thanks
Mark
I made an arbor with an MT2 taper on one end to fit my tail stock and a 1/2" shaft on the other end. The shaft slides into the rear of the die head wich is made from a 2" diameter piece of steel bored to hold a 1 1/2" die in one end and bored to 1/2" for a sliding fit on the other end. Some knurling for good looks and polishing for the shiny look. 4 holes, 1/2" x 3/4" deep, 90 degrees apart for a tommy bar. I also made an insert to use my 1" diameter dies. As you thread the head slides forward on the shaft keeping your alignment. This has been a very use full tool for starting straight threads when using a die. I make prints for most of the projects I make if anyone wants them.
thanks
Mark