Single point vs. die threading

[benmychree]

If you exclude automatic opening die heads, I agree with the last post; however if die heads are included, all bets are off. Die heads have the capability of very accurate controll of pitch diameter, lead, thread finish and especially thread form features such as the flat at the top and bottom of the thread. One also must consider lead screw accuracy in lathe cut threads and the condition of the lathe cutting the threads, whether it cuts round and straight; some lathes may have lead screw camming, that is a lead screw that moves endwise due to faulty thrust bearings.
The bottom line is that die heads can cut excellent quality threads, and have no problem in cutting small diameter long threads without deflecton and consequent varying pitch diameter over the length of the thread.

 

[rangerman]

For very small screws like 0-80 I'd rather use a die than use single point cutter.
I'm just considering its economic practicality.

I wouldn't even have to do that since I already have a bag with thousands of 0-80 x 3/4" slotted head screws.

I looked at them under high magnification and they are pretty well made as if they were turned on a lathe.

 

[scottdube]

Much more accurate. For nuts and bolts, studs, utility threads, dies are probably sufficiently accurate. Also much easier to do very small threads with a die.

There are features of threads that you may want to control independently, where a die will not allow that. You may want a special pitch for a one time job.....no die practical. You have much, much better control of the PD when single point threading. Major, minor and pitch are all under your control individually with single pointing. Not so with a die. When a die gets dull, yes, you can sharpen it, and some are adjustable to a degree, but no comparison with single pointing.

Main feature to differentiate, to me, is the axial alignment. With a single point tool, it is near dead on accurate as far as concentricity goes. With a die, in my experience, they tend to drift off center, and there is only so much you can do to correct or minimize it.

I agree now I just need to figure out how to do it!