5 Attachment(s)
PushPull Tapper Three types displayed with differences
After I bought my first Supreme Reversible Gear Reduction Screw Driver it seemed like I really hit upon something
really useful that was made in the '50s or '60s and was selling for not much cash. This was the model 4100.
My idea was to use it for tapping in the drill press. I did not need a reversing gear reduced screw driver since
the battery powered drills do all of that.
I was able to use the unit I purchased for $10.00 (including shipping) to tap 72 holes in a work plate while using it
in the drill press. My DP's slowest speed is too fast for tapping and still being able to stop it before the tap jams up.
That is where the 7:1 gear reduction really helps. I can tap at a nice slow speed. When I have gone deep enough
I simply release my hold on the drum, stop the DP and then rotate the Supreme about 1.5 turns in reverse, push it up
and then just restart the DP. Tap is reversed and run back out of the hole. Almost as good as a tap-matic but not quite.
I found another on the bay for not much cash and it looked different so I bought it but it was not a PushPull Tapper.
It was basically the same as the first Supreme unit but with differences. It is a Buck Supreme which is green in color
and was much less used than the first model 4100. I will just call it my "green unit".
Then all of a sudden a PushPull Tapper came up on the bay. Got it for $50.00 and it had 4 collets with it. Now this one
looked like the one I really wanted. This is model 9000.
Yep, it was the one! All you need to do is put in a tap. ( 4-40 to 5/16) collets are available but mine was missing the 6-32.
Thats ok since my main use will be 10-32, 1/4-20, and 5/16-18. I would not even try this with 6-32 or smaller.
Here is the difference in how it works. Start DP with unit in the DP chuck, bring down the quill and the tap sill start as soon as you
grip the rotating collar. When deep enough just release your grip, raise the quill about 1/2" and grip the other rotating collar.
That's it. You do not have to stop the DP and you do not have to "unwind" the Tapper 1 1/2 turns like you need to do with the others.
I think all of these were made to be used with a portable drill motor. Supreme makes a Versatapper that was made for a drill press
and has a capacity of up to 1/2" taps. I think you also need special Supreme collets for that one.
Here are the differences between the units as the method for attaching chucks or collets is different as well as the driving spindle.
I will first describe the PushPull Tapper and then post two more times with the pictures and descriptions of the other units.
The PushPull Tapper has 5 (I think 5) unique collets for holding taps. It does not hold screwdriver bits.
It is not made to hold a chuck but is made to be used with special collets.
The nose thread is 5/8-16 and the "nose nut" fits that thread for holding in the collets.
The drive side has a 1/2-20 thread and the unit came with a 1/4" to 1/2" arbor.
I don't care much for that 1/2 to 1/4 adapter and will replace it with a 1/2-20 adapter.
Reversing is semi-automatic. No need to stop the drill press.
Well that is it for the PushPull tapper. Here are the pics for it.
Cheers, JR
1 Attachment(s)
Model 4100 Supreme Reversible Gear Reduction
Here is the 4100. Just that same old gray color. Looks a bit Navy to me. I like it.
It was my first and the one that got me started looking for it's cousins!
Big difference is the 1/4" input shaft. Not changeable like the other two.
It works fine but is a bit long..
The nose on this one has a 1/2-20 thread so it is easy to put on a chuck.
The aluminum nose piece on this one is frozen in place. It may be hiding a
morse taper under it but this one is not coming off.
Best practice for this tool in my thinking would be to get a small dedicated drill press with
maybe say a MT2 or MT3 spindle. Then get an Morse arbor that fits that drill press with
a 1/2-20 threaded end. Now if you can find a PushPull Tapper with collets you have a
dedicated tapping setup for small sizes up to 5/16". By eliminating the original DP chuck
you will gain head space and a shorter tool string.
Next option is to buy a Supreme Versatapper and use it on your drill press.
Cheers, JR