[Jewelry making - Article 00308] - Re: [Orchid] Tap and Die 101

[Richard Davies]

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Hi Sheila,

    You will probably get twenty responses to your request, but here
    goes with my contribution. 

    One of the keys to doing a proper job with a tap is to start with
    the correct drill size. (A drill approximately 2/3 the diameter of
    the thread will be about right.) A drill too large will cause a weak
    thread. 

    After drilling the hole, start the tap slowly and carefully. Keep it
    straight and aligned with the axis of the hole. While making the
    cut, turn the tap a half turn or so, then reverse it to break the
    chip. Continue in this manner until you have completed the thread.
    Use a little oil if necessary, depending on the metal you are
    cutting. If you are tapping a blind hole, you have to change taps to
    a bottoming tap. (Bottoming taps don't have the lead-in taper.) When
    the tap bottoms, don't twist it further or it may break. If you are
    going through the metal, you don't have to be concerned. 

    For using a die, it is easiest to hold the blank in a vise in an
    upright position. Be careful to start the die without tilting it off
    axis. As with the tap, turn a half turn or so at a time, backing
    occasionally to break the chip. You can run the die up and down a
    couple of times to be sure you have a smooth thread. 

    A useful tool to go along with a tap and die set is a thread gage sif
    you have to match the tap or die to whatever nut or machine screw you
    are trying to fit. 

Good Luck!
Dick Davies
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