Possible project for someone...

[rockrat]

It seems that a while back a few folks were looking for a project to keep them busy. I was digging through a bunch of stuff and found an old copy of a print for a tap handle. A fun project and a usefull tool.

The college that I once taught at had students make these. A nice lathe & mill project for those who need a little something to do durring the cold winter months. In fact, you might not even need a mill. A drill press and a file might work just as well.



And if you make one of these, post a photo.

rock-

[John Stevenson]

Good heavens,
I think you will need a week just to read the drawing.

.

[lane]

I still got the one I built in Trade School 40 years ago still use it too. That is a copy of a Starret tap wrench.

[rockrat]

Good heavens,
I think you will need a week just to read the drawing.

.

I'll read it to you if you like. A little bedtime story... ZZZZZZZZ........

Ha, it is an exersize in skills. It was for a school credit. Had to read the print, make hand sketches as needed and machine.

I was going to make one with the class but never got time. I was teaching the drawing and cad classes and would hang out during my 1 hour office time (between clases) in the shop with the instructor there.

Aw, go on John, you could use another one of these.

Cheers!
rock-

[BobWarfield]

I like it, and my tap wrench stinks. Yet another iron to put on the fire.

Seems like Lautard has one in his books too, though maybe not.

Best,

BW

[Evan]

I use these. Don't break taps either.



I do have proper handles and do use them sometimes. I also do a lot of power tapping with spiral point taps, my favorite.

For power tapping I use this.

[rockrat]

I use these. Don't break taps either.

Oh no. Is there a case of duct tape in your tool box as well? He he he.

Yea, I've used little adjustable wrenches to get by, but I always seem to misjudge my torque with them and feel like I'm bending/stressing the tap.

Then again, I havent broke too many.

Lately.

Just jinxed myself most likely.

Crap.

Maybe I'll just go smack one with a hammer now and get it over with.

rock "plink, there goes another $#@% 4-40 tap" rat

[sch]

Of the various projects I did during my one yr of adult ed in the machine shop that is the one and only that I used.
A straight forward lathe project, altho we used HR instead of tool steel and EDM to cut the 90d corner in the body,
and a Bridgeport to cut the 90d in the movable part. Only wish I had drilled the main hole in the body another 16th
larger, it just barely misses the 5/8ths tap. Also made some machinist jacks but never got around to using them.

[Lew Hartswick]

I use these. Don't break taps either.

I do have proper handles and do use them sometimes. I also do a lot of power tapping with spiral point taps, my favorite.
For power tapping I use this.

Evan. How many of these does it take to do , say #6 to 3/8" taps?
Or is 3/8 too big for a battery drill?
Is there only one set screw or two on opposite sides?
Looks like a good proj for down at school between classes. :-)
...lew...

[Evan]

That one is 1/4-20. I find that that is about the largest size usable with a good 18 volt battery drill although it can handle 5/16-18 in thinner material. You need one for each size of tap. I grind a flat on the tap and use just one set screw. The hex shaft is just a cut off hex driver bit press fit into a slightly undersize hole. 3/8 taps are a bit too large for using a drill motor to drive them and that is with an 18 volt drill that has two gear ranges.