MadModder

The Shop => Tools => Topic started by: Artie on March 29, 2010, 06:52:21 AM

Title: Pilotted Tapping Tool
Post by: Artie on March 29, 2010, 06:52:21 AM
I have a heap of small holes to tap shortly and I want them to be firstly straight, and secondly I dont want too many (nil!) broken taps. I therefore needed a piloted tap driver!

Almost all my holes are 4 BA so Ive built this around that particular size. I will make a few more in common sizes though...

The unit itself is quite simple BUT... I had my first attempt at knurling, and while not perfect, Im pretty impressed with the result...

(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm54/artieonedge/29032010159.jpg)

(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm54/artieonedge/29032010161.jpg)

I might just go and knurl something else.....  :ddb:

P.s. that a 4 BA die next to it for reference... centre shaft is 12mm.
Title: Re: Pilotted Tapping Tool
Post by: andyf on March 29, 2010, 07:35:19 AM
Hi Artie,

I'm the same about knurling; it can be a bit addictive. Some day, there'll be a Knurlers Anonymous for knurloholics.

Ou of curiosity, how is the tap secured in the piloting gadget?

Andy
Title: Re: Pilotted Tapping Tool
Post by: Bernd on March 29, 2010, 08:40:04 AM
Artie,

That is a nice job knurling. I say you did quite well for the first time.

Bernd
Title: Re: Pilotted Tapping Tool
Post by: Artie on March 29, 2010, 05:36:08 PM
Thanks Bernd, Ill definatley use the technique again.

Andy there is a grub screw on the back side of the shaft (cant see it in the pic), I didnt think a tap driver of this size required a huge amount of clamping force, almost usd 2 screw on either sides of teh flats at the taps end but opted for one down on the shaft of the tap.
Title: Re: Pilotted Tapping Tool
Post by: Rob.Wilson on March 29, 2010, 05:44:43 PM
Nice one Rob  :thumbup: :clap: :clap:

good idea

Regards Rob
Title: Re: Pilotted Tapping Tool
Post by: Artie on March 30, 2010, 12:27:58 AM
Gday Rob, afraid I cant claim the idea. Its a variation of several I have seen on this site and others..... just made good simple sense to me.  :proj: damn.... days were short enough as it was....
Title: Re: Pilotted Tapping Tool
Post by: Artie on March 31, 2010, 07:47:18 AM
Well, I used this tool tonight, marvellous. Really worked well, I can recommend this (or it variations) to anyone who taps smaller holes. Great stuff, really impressed me.  :bow:
Title: Re: Pilotted Tapping Tool
Post by: Bernd on March 31, 2010, 08:55:00 AM
Aw jeeeeeeees Artie. Just when I thought I'd gotten my tooling list whittled down. I now have to add this one to the list. :nrocks:

Bernd