I have just purchased a Boxford Lathe

[123hotchef]

Machine taps are full size, as are hand taps in reality, just hand taps have a varying tapered lead on the three. You do get what they call serial taps, have a set myself and these are different diameters, can be handy in hard materials.

Regarding the speed, doesn't look too fast for me but depends on the material. Are they through holes or blind?

they are blind holes mate, would the heat have a effect on the thread as it cools it in reality shrinks

 

[Hood]

they are blind holes mate, would the heat have a effect on the thread as it cools it in reality shrinks

Ok, if it had been a through hole then it is much better to use a spiral point rather than a spiral flute.

The heat, well it could do but it would have to be quite hot. Are your taps new? maybe they are just worn.

 

[123hotchef]

yes the taps are new, but the adjusters were pretty hot after boring a 14.5mm hole into them had to use gloves to take them out of the chuck

 

[Hood]

yes the taps are new, but the adjusters were pretty hot after boring a 14.5mm hole into them had to use gloves to take them out of the chuck

Sounds like it could be that then.

 

[Dcal]

@Hood are serial taps useful for keeping a tap perpendicular to the work piece when hand tapping?

I struggle that so always try to start a tap in the vertical drill of lathe if I can

 

[Hood]

@Hood are serial taps useful for keeping a tap perpendicular to the work piece when hand tapping?

I struggle that so always try to start a tap in the vertical drill of lathe if I can

Not really, a spiral point machine tap will just about self centre itself, it is all I use nowadays unless a blind hole, then I will use a spiral flute although if the hole is deep enough and I am not tapping the full length I may still use a spiral point.

 

[123hotchef]

Sounds like it could be that then.

the next batch I will leave them to cool before tapping then, just means a extra 2 chuck changes for each better than messing about after though

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

the next batch I will leave them to cool before tapping then, just means a extra 2 chuck changes for each better than messing about after though

Not easier to tap straight away and just run it in by hand in a vice after it's cooled rather than rechucking then all

 

[123hotchef]

Not easier to tap straight away and just run it in by hand in a vice after it's cooled rather than rechucking then all

the problem with running it in after in the vice is it makes the thread a somewhat loser fit.
it does not take that much time to re chuck it in the 3 jaw to be fair it is probably quicker to re chuck it the twice than run the tap through with it in the vice

 

[Hood]

Get some flood coolant rigged up

 

[123hotchef]

Get some flood coolant rigged up

I was trying not to make a mess! does it make the lathe rust? or is it worth doing on my little hobby lathe

 

[Hood]

If you have the mix ratio correct then it doesn't rust, it is definitely worth doing but is messy on an open machine although chuck guards help a lot.

 

[123hotchef]

I do not have any chuck guards on my machine it is all open

 

[Hood]

I do not have any chuck guards on my machine it is all open

Easy enough to make.

 

[123hotchef]

thats true job for the roundtoit list

 

[brightspark]

Easy enough to make.

but would you really want one you would have to put up with them in a workplace but no chance in a private workshop

 

[Hood]

Yes I would and do want one. No one can make me use one in my workshop but they are invaluable when using flood coolant.

 

[brightspark]

most only cover the chuck and you hardly flood the chuck

 

[Hood]

Oh, I must be doing it all wrong, sorry about that.

 

[mtt.tr]

most only cover the chuck and you hardly flood the chuck

Best ones travel with the carriage. Mind not seen any like that for years