8-40 tap recommendations
- Thread starter dakor
- Start date
Amazing how many problems can be solved while mulling them over for a day or two. I never had that luxury working, but now that I tinker in retirement it is evident on how true it is. Most of my best ideas come to me while I lie in bed for a few minutes after waking up.
Jonnyofalltrades
Silver $$ Contributor
Glad to hear the happy ending. Looking forward to seeing how it worked.
Something I gleaned from my many hours reading the Machinery's Handbook is that taper taps don't work well with stainless. The very shallow depth of cut leads to material quickly work hardening. Plug taps are a better choice.
LVLAaron
Gold $$ Contributor
Boelube is a hidden treasure.
Larry Koch
Silver $$ Contributor
I use a battery drill and boelube. Never had one break yet.
Sniperhandle
Silver $$ Contributor
Dan, Which boelube is the best one for tapping? I looked it up and there are many different types.
DR_2297
Silver $$ Contributor
I never free tap with small taps. Hole gets drilled then a spring loaded center installed in the quill and tap handle has corresponding center in the end to accept. If the tap feels like it doesn’t want to cut I put it aside and grab a new one. I also tend to drill, plunge mill or ream the tap hole a few thou oversize (6-48 for example I just use a 1/8” endmill)
Sniperhandle
Silver $$ Contributor
Sorry, Wrong Dan, I was addressing Dan Schenk, Thanks though.
Dan-Schenk
Gold $$ Contributor
The pink tub, kinda waxy
Sniperhandle
Silver $$ Contributor
Cool, Thanks
Glad you got it out without damage to the threads.
With #10, #8, #6, or #4, I never use spiral taps or anything with more than two flutes.
Dull ones gall rather than cut and trying to back them out is a great way to snap.
It's been a while, but I've experienced a lot of 304, 316 and 400 stainless from China that have hardness nodes in the metal that'll ruin a hardened steel cutting tool in one pass.
Because I no longer work on machinery, all mine are done by hand. Don't have tap-free anymore, or any welding anti-spatter spray. I have found coconut oil works better than any other tapping compound I have tried.
With #10, #8, #6, or #4, I never use spiral taps or anything with more than two flutes.
Dull ones gall rather than cut and trying to back them out is a great way to snap.
It's been a while, but I've experienced a lot of 304, 316 and 400 stainless from China that have hardness nodes in the metal that'll ruin a hardened steel cutting tool in one pass.
Because I no longer work on machinery, all mine are done by hand. Don't have tap-free anymore, or any welding anti-spatter spray. I have found coconut oil works better than any other tapping compound I have tried.
LVLAaron
Gold $$ Contributor
For cutting with carbide boring bars and "fine" work this is the stuff I like:
For tapping an action... I'd go straight to moly d
For tapping an action... I'd go straight to moly d
Same question
I recently ran out of dark cutting oil.
Dan-Schenk
Gold $$ Contributor
It melts during the summer, but I’ve had a really good luck with it in the aviation field
Sniperhandle
Silver $$ Contributor
Everything melts in Las Vegas!
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.