Help designing a Tapping fixture

[Glenn Brooks]

Hello all,

I guess it’s time to make an alignment tool or fixture to set up in the quill of a mill to align taps at 90* to the work, when you first start to twist the tap into the hole. Anybody have a link to a thead or set of diagrams about how to build such a thing?

Now, am not talking about taping heads, or standalone taping machines, Just some simple alignment tool to help orient the tap when hand tapping.

I remember someone made some sort of spring fed device that kept pressure on the top of the tap, but of course can’t find it with any words I could think,of in the search bar.

Any leads would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Glenn

 

[francist]

Are you thinking of a "tap follower", perhaps?
Probably won't get many hits on the forum search, but a Google search will net more. I just have a basic one from Fischer Machine. Works nicely, although I have a dedicated tapping fixture I use most of the time.

-frank

 

[extropic]

Here is a link to what I use. The pin is reversible from point (for taps w/ a center) to conical recess (for taps with no center).
They are well made but only about .7" total stroke (IIRC) and the pin is only about .188" diameter so the conical recessed end won't accept taps larger than about .312".

Tap Guide

I think they are a common sale item so shop for best price.

 

[Z2V]

I came across this awhile back but do not remember who to give the credit to. I saw a pic and copied it.
It uses an Irwin tap holder for a 3/8” square drive. The tap holder is a very good piece. I used a piece of 1/4” drill rod for the stem and handle, and the body is 12L.
The hole in the body for the stem is tight enough that it holds a suction. Just chuck up the stem and the body just slides onto the stem. Works great.

 

[Z2V]

Here’s the tap chucks

 

[Ray C]

Are you thinking of a "tap follower", perhaps?
Probably won't get many hits on the forum search, but a Google search will net more. I just have a basic one from Fischer Machine. Works nicely, although I have a dedicated tapping fixture I use most of the time.

-frank
View attachment 265764

Oh, I like this one!

Ray

 

[cg285]

something must have gone over my head as i don't see why you just don't chuck up the tap in a drill chuck and go to work.

 

[Liljoebrshooter]

I just chuck the tap into my drill press and loosen the belt up. Then it is much easier to turn just the spindle. Right hand on the down feed handle, left hand gripping the chuck and turning it.
Joe Hynes

 

[Downunder Bob]

G'day Glenn,
I'm aware that there are a number of fancy toys out there that can be bought or made, but i've never had the opportunity to use them all I've ever done is to fit a small center into the drill chuck or quill as is appropriate or even put the tap in the drill chuck to get it started then carry on by hand. Sometimes with less than desirable results, but usually works ok.

 

[4ssss]

I just chuck the tap into my drill press and loosen the belt up. Then it is much easier to turn just the spindle. Right hand on the down feed handle, left hand gripping the chuck and turning it.
Joe Hynes

That's the way to do it.