How to cut threads with die...

[Moby]

... and keep the die square? A tap centers itself if the ID is correct for the size of the tap but how do you get a die to stay centered? I've tried cutting threads on round stock and after an inch its clear that the die is cutting at an angle. Eventually the die jams as it cuts more and more towards the center of the round stock. Any tricks?

 

[fj40charles]

... and keep the die square? A tap centers itself if the ID is correct for the size of the tap but how do you get a die to stay centered? I've tried cutting threads on round stock and after an inch its clear that the die is cutting at an angle. Eventually the die jams as it cuts more and more towards the center of the round stock. Any tricks?

How about using a lathe?

 

[Moby]

Unfortunately I neither have one or know how to use one (although I always like to learn to use new tools ). Do you have a pointer to more info on this?

 

[e9999]

doesn't your die holder have a centering jig built-in?

 

[3DAMAN!]

You will need a sleeve a couple of thousands larger than the rod your threading. Make sure it has a square shoulder and place the die up against this shoulder. You will have to hold the die tight against the sleeve for about 3 or 4 turns until the die has a "set" on the rod or bar your threading. You will also need to keep the die soaked in cutting fluid or a good oil. You can use old motor oil if that is all you have. This is not that hard to do, but it does take some practice. Good luck....

 

[Moby]

doesn't your die holder have a centering jig built-in?

It does but either I'm using it wrong or it doesn't work very well. Plus there is 3/8-1/2" before it kicks in which seems to be enough to let it get off to a bad start...

 

[Moby]

You will need a sleeve a couple of thousands larger than the rod your threading. Make sure it has a square shoulder and place the die up against this shoulder. You will have to hold the die tight against the sleeve for about 3 or 4 turns until the die has a "set" on the rod or bar your threading. You will also need to keep the die soaked in cutting fluid or a good oil. You can use old motor oil if that is all you have. This is not that hard to do, but it does take some practice. Good luck....

Ahh, yes, that makes sense. I will give that a try. I do have cutting oil for tapping and drilling, just never needed to cut outside threads before. Thanks!

 

[fjwagon]

What I have done the the past is drill(drill press is best) a hole a tad bigger than the tap you will be using on a piece of stock that's a half an inch thick but perferrable an inch thick. Take that knewly drilled piece, clamp it down directly above the hole that will be tapped. This even works on something that is flat as well.

 

[Trollhole]

It does but either I'm using it wrong or it doesn't work very well. Plus there is 3/8-1/2" before it kicks in which seems to be enough to let it get off to a bad start...

Do you have it backwards? I always have the centering part on the unthreaded portion.

 

[e9999]

It does but either I'm using it wrong or it doesn't work very well. Plus there is 3/8-1/2" before it kicks in which seems to be enough to let it get off to a bad start...

flip it around?

 

[3DAMAN!]

Well Hell, I forgot a very important item to keeping a die square. You should put a heavy champher on the ( starting) edge of your rod or dowel. 30-45 degrees works good. And it needs to be champherd to the depth of the threads bottom. Look at a bolt and you will see what I mean!



Sorry



(I'm getting old)

 

[3DAMAN!]

What I have done the the past is drill(drill press is best) a hole a tad bigger than the tap you will be using on a piece of stock that's a half an inch thick but perferrable an inch thick. Take that knewly drilled piece, clamp it down directly above the hole that will be tapped. This even works on something that is flat as well.

Yes Sir, That works very good when your tapping a hole! I have a Tapping block for metric, one for fine, and another for course. It can ether be drilled to the size of the hole or you can tap the block the same as your project needs.