Tap & Die Station

[rdean]

Last Christmas my wife gave me a nice tap and die set but it didn't help much for making straight threads. So this is what I came up with.


I used the tap holders from the set and made a die holder. Quick change and plenty of capacity.


I couldn't decide how I wanted to hold the piece for tapping so I made 4 slots and 4 adjustable round stops to see how it would work out. The stops can be removed for fitting a vice and the head swiveled for unusual shapes.

I'll use the setup for a while to see how I like it.
Time will tell.

Thanks
Ray

 

[mattthemuppet2]

that's a really neat idea, great job!

 

[kd4gij]

That looks like it should do a great job.

 

[Silverbullet]

Nice job , I've got the idea to use an old connecting rod as the hook up to go up and down the post plus it's already made with the clamp on it . Piston pin hole for the tapper , an old cheap drill press table for the base. But yours turned out nice.

 

[rdean]

Thanks all for the kind replies.
Like most things I make they get modified over the years as I find just how I want it.
I saw the piston rod style by others and liked that also.
Many of the store bought ones have a counter balance to lift the tapper.
If you have one like that could you tell me how that works?

Ray

 

[David S]

Very nice. I especially like the simple flexible clamping method.

David

 

[Benny]

"Good job" rdean !

 

[FOMOGO]

Very nicely done. I have piles of con-rods laying around, will have to look into that when I get time. Mike

 

[TommyD]

Nice work.

Is this what you are talking about? Could you use a compression spring below the crank and on top of the beam?
http://www.lassytools.com/tapper.html

 

[rdean]

Yes TommyD that is what I am talking about.
I am wondering what the benefit is. Does it just retract the tap above the work piece or a different reason.

Ray