Hi Guys, haven't been "buy" for a week or so, but I see there's been some new discussion on the size of the die (1" vs 1.5"). Seems there is a chance if we can get enough people that want them, that we could get the larger size!
Mike- Thanks for getting prices on the larger size! As with the bottoming tap, please put me down for the LARGER 1.5" size (die). I'm OK if it is in the 6+ price range- I think we will have at least that many.
I'm glad someone kept the issue alive (thanks to whomever it was!) . I think the debate has been pretty much been exhausted on both perspectives. But for me (and if anyone else is still on the fence and would like convincing), based on a few personal observations, here is why I would prefer the larger size:
Observation #1 - Looking at the M12 die, and trying to imagine taking away another 2mm in the diameter, it seems that a 1" die would leave a rather minimal amount of material on the die (IMHO, I think the 12mm is somewhat shy of material).
Observation #2 - Materials used and die flexing due to #1. Even though I (we) mostly use the die on acrylics, what about some of the harder materials that are available now and what may come in the future? Currently there are harder materials such as Trustone and the M3 Metal. Who knows what else may come along. I would rather have the larger die an not have to worry about any strength issues down the road.
Observation #3... (personally) I don't understand why there is even a debate over using a larger die? If it's just the size, I have been using 1.5" dies for some of my larger threads (barrel to cap), and don't have any problems (I actually use a varitey of different size dies: 1" and 1 1/2" round and 1 1/8" hex). If it's only a matter of not having a holder - there are holders available at a small cost. If I was on a tight budget, I would make a reducing adapter so I could use the larger die in my existing 1" holder. I already have one, so needing to purchase or make one is not an issue for me, but I think if I didn't have one, THAT would not be my deciding factor. That said however, if I do get the larger size, I will probably buy another holder anyway just so I don't have to keep switching the dies in and out of the same holder (and have to worry about DROPPING IT!!)
Observation #4... Why override the experts? If it were me, if the company making the die was recommending it be a 1.5" die, I would get a 1.5" die. I'm not the expert, so I would not question their recommendations. Nor would I want to kick myself later because I overrode the experts and my die wouldn't be strong enough to use on some new material that came along I wanted to try (or worse yet, did try it and broke it!).
As I said, these are just my observations. I don't pretend to be a mechanical engineer, or know anything about the manufacturing of dies, I just use a few of them.
Mike, thanks again for all your hard work-- AND patience!
John
John E. Brady
JEB's PENs
www.jebspens.com
