I hope everyone is safe and well during this time. I thought it would be fun to make a reversible tapping head that could be used on a mill or drill press instead of purchasing one. Anyone know of any plans for such? Thank you.
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Making a Tapping Head
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While there are very complex designs I recall seeing a design that simply used a pair of sliding cones on a common shaft. The cones were used as clutches when they pressed against a spindle.
On PM there is a thread where a guy made one that had a clutch that slipped when the tap bottomed, and backed it out when the mill / drill was put in reverse. https://www.practicalmachinist.com/v...6/#post2043576. Post #17 shows the way it was built. 5 hours, according to the poster.
DanAt the end of the project, there is a profound difference between spare parts and left over parts.
Location: SF East Bay.
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Ok...so much for the fun.
I don't see any plans for this one, even though it's not self reversing, but none-the-less, seemingly nice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJFUvC2CI88
Last edited by lovemesomemachines; 11-29-2020, 04:34 PM.
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I can tell you how to build a simple sliding one with a key way , you can set it to stop(actually rotate) when it comes off the key.. then once back on key it can he backed off under power.. I use it on taps over 1/2 that my tapper can't handle. And how to make tap holders , usinga round bore that cant slip, easy to make.
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Originally posted by 754 View PostI can tell you how to build a simple sliding one with a key way , you can set it to stop(actually rotate) when it comes off the key.. then once back on key it can he backed off under power.. I use it on taps over 1/2 that my tapper can't handle. And how to make tap holders , usinga round bore that cant slip, easy to make.Last edited by Sparky_NY; 11-29-2020, 05:23 PM.
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I just threw 2 of them in the scrap bin.
I never use them.
They are a pain in the azz.
I do love me some power tapping and instant reverse though.
And if you are going to do that, a Bilz collet chuck is not a bad way to go.
But the Bilz hold the taps so well.
I have a TT chuck, never played with it much.
-DoozerLast edited by Doozer; 11-29-2020, 06:28 PM.DZER
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I have a Procunier tapping head I picked up for $35 at auction decades ago, and honestly I prefer using the reversing feature of my VFD controlled press. The only issue is you must have good clamping. I've been thinking of adding a foot pedal reverser. I also have a reversing Hamilton sensitive DP with the cone drive danlb mentioned. It's fantastic for small work, up to #10 taps in soft or thin material.
Not my unit, honestly don't know why anyone would want a little drill to go slow.
Location: Jersey City NJ USA
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I have a tapmatic tapping head that I have had for years. I have used it 2 times for the same job. First was for around 150 m8 tapped holes through 5/8” thick aluminum, second time was for around 250. This is where tapping heads really shine.
Unless you either have it setup on a dedicated machine, or you have at least 50 holes, or a bunch of holes to do on a machine that doesn’t have reverse they aren’t really worth getting out.
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Originally posted by 754 View PostDoes the Tt use sprag rollers or a key way ?
They are quite small which can be a benefit. The hardinge TT uses proprietary collets but a homebrew version could use ER or similar.
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