tap and die size

[jamesbil]

Hi all,
I want to try a kitless f/p in acrylic and need some advice.
1. where to get the f/p nib part?
2, what size thread for the cap?
3. how to hold the die to thread the barrel section?

Thanks in advance

 

[Curly]

There are a number of tutorials in the library that cover your questions. In part it all starts with the nib you select to use. Number 5 or 6 and what brand. Each has its own proprietary size. That defines the size of the section thread which defines the size of the barrel and therefore the barrel to cap threads.

 

[Penultimate]

Hi
This die holder works really well. I also have a tap holder. It fits in the tail stock and is spring loaded to hold the tap straight and applies some force to the part.
http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2314

I reccomend victornet.com for taps and dies.

The Penturners Bible has a couple kitless designs with dimensions. I recommend it as a good starting point.
Good luck, have fun

 

[jamesbil]

Thanks,
and of course questions lead to questions...

which would you recommend for a beginner like me? 5 or 6mm?
I suppose I had better start with a budget set for the first few. Where is a good place to buy them?

Meanwhile I'll be in the library..

 

[mredburn]

http://content.penturners.org/library/general_reference/taps_dies_kitless.pdf

Probably your best bet is 6mm. but it depends on the size of the pen you want to make.
Classicnib.com - Bock
Meisternibs.com -Jowo
exoticblanks.com - Heritance
richardlgreenwald.com -Schmidt.

Edited, Thanks Roger, I fixed it. (still on my first cup)

 

[pianomanpj]

http://content.penturners.org/library/general_reference/taps_dies_kitless.pdf

Probably your best bet is 6mm. but it depends on the size of the pen you want to make.
Classicnib.com - Bock
Meisternib.com -Jowo
exoticblanks.com - Heritance
richardlgreenwald.com -Schmidt.

Mike, you missed an "s" - it's Meisternibs.com

 

[jamesbil]

Great thanks,
after a little reading, I think I want a complete section so that I am only turning the body.

Something like this?
Exotic Blanks :: Nibs, Bushings, Bits, Tubes & Parts :: Fountain Pen Nib Sections & Nibs :: Jr. Aaron/Retro/Venus #5 Fountain Pen Nib Section - Black Titanium

 

[mredburn]

Bear Tooth Woods and Exotic Woods and others sell front sections. THe El Grande front section is a favorite.
here is Exotic Blanks page for parts. Exotic Blanks :: Nibs, Bushings, Bits, Tubes & Parts :: Fountain Pen Nib Sections & Nibs

 

[mredburn]

you will need a tap guide as well as a die holder,
Fowler Micro Tap Guide 52 490 100 0 | eBay

 

[jamesbil]

you will need a tap guide as well as a die holder,
Fowler Micro Tap Guide 52 490 100 0 | eBay

thanks, can you explain to me the tap guide? why not just use it in a chuck?

 

[mredburn]

You can grip the tap in the chuck and leave the tailstock loose and push it forward as you turn the tap, if you can lock the spindle. It getts kinda tricky to hold the Spindle/chuck and turn the tap and slide the tailstock. Will your Tailstock will keep alignment when not tightened down. We are talking small amounts of out of alignment being a big problem. The tap guide holds it in alignment and its spring loaded so you as you turn the tap it keep pressure on it to move it forward. For the $6.00 it really makes the job so much easier.