Tapping and reaming guide

[Philip Davies]

Thanks to Mistrymaketools and to Jon for posting his video, which stimulated me into finishing this, although it will win few plaudits. It’s what happens when a woodworker attempts metalwork. And hobbles around looking for parts, rather than buying them. If 2 dozen bearings were needed, then certainly I would buy them, but just 2? As 2 bearings were needed at 35mm dia., I bored some scrap aluminium, which “centres” the shaft. The arm is laminated from 3 pieces of maple.

The spindle is in 2 parts.The quill is no 2 morse taper, with a sleeve brazed in a collar which also goes over the shaft. The collar is 35 mm o/d and is an adequate fit over the 1” dia. shaft. This wouldn’t run very smoothly!

Hopefully the 5/8 chuck will grip sufficiently tightly to withstand the torque of the larger taps and reamers. Hope also that the brazed joint also does. The table is sufficiently large enough to screw a vice to it.