R8 Tapping Guide

[charles scozzari]

Made this using a 7/8" R8 end mill holder and a hand tap handle. Now I'm able to tap a predrilled hole up to 1/2" without removing the work from the mill clamps or vise. I had to turn the tap handle down, then made the ring and handle set, and pressed it on the R8 end mill holder. the handles pass through the ring and further secure the ring and tap holder to the tool. To use the tool I release the mill spindle lock and disengage (out position) spindle from the head and do the tapping manually while the part is still centered in the work. I prefer this method to tapping using the mill under power. Thanks for looking.

[DIYer]

Thanks charles scozzari! We've added your Tapping Guide to our Tapping and Threading category,
as well as to your builder page: charles scozzari's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Tapping Guide by charles scozzari

tags: tapping, guide

[Toolmaker51]

Made this using a 7/8" R8 end mill holder and a hand tap handle. Now I'm able to tap a predrilled hole up to 1/2" without removing the work from the mill clamps or vise. To use the tool I release the mill spindle lock and disengage (out position) spindle from the head and do the tapping manually while the part is still centered in the work. I prefer this method to tapping using the mill under power. Thanks for looking.

Charles and any onlookers; I do the very same with taps above 7/16"/ 11mm, and the few smaller like #4 & #6. My adapter is different but remaining technique is the same.
I will not use a drill chuck for tapping beyond hand starting, and that only in limited occasions.
Most tapping I do, which is frequent, employs a Hardinge Tapping Head. It is clutched, ultra compact and needs a reversing spindle. On the round column drill which auto-reverses via micro-switch I need to construct a Morse Taper tap driver, or use split tap collets. On certain parts, countersinking and tapping is faster than turret mill.

[charles scozzari]

Thanks for your reply, Charlie.

[motorhead]

I may have to copy and modify (just a little) your idea to work on my drill press.