Tap and Die

Jgrden · Jun 23, 2012

Where do I look for a quality set for turning fountain pens?? Harbor Freight??

Lucky2 · Jun 23, 2012

John, I'm not trying to be a smart-ass, but if a person is looking for something of quality, they don't usually look for Harbor Freight to have it. At least, that's what I've been told.
Len

firewhatfire · Jun 23, 2012

Indy~Pen~Dance :: Turning Supplies

watch_art · Jun 23, 2012

items in MERLINTOOLS ON LINE store on eBay!

KBs Pensnmore · Jun 23, 2012

TapsNDies

Try any of the Members on here, Exotics, Independance etc.:biggrin:

Andrew_K99 · Jun 23, 2012

Are you looking to go 'kitless'?

If so HF and most other local stores won't have the sizes you're after. Some may be able to order them, but you'd likely pay a premium.

As noted above some of the IAP vendors carry some of the ones you'll be after. Victor machinery (Victor Machinery - Metalworking tools and supplies) is a good source for the common metric sizes (though the M9x.75 die is out of stock).

If you're looking at kitless you'll want to do a bunch of research and some sketches to figure out which ones you'll need, it's not that many you'll actually need.

AK

watch_art · Jun 23, 2012

9 x .75

9mm x .75 Metric HSS Right hand Tap M9 x 0.75mm Pitch | eBay

9mm x .75 Metric Right hand Die M9 x 0.75mm Pitch | eBay

cnirenberg · Jun 23, 2012

John,
I have a set from HF and have had no problems. Needed the weird sizes for a project. Ace carries M10x1 and 1/2x20 individual taps and dies. What really you need to do is figure out what sizes you want to use and buy individual T/D sets at Victor tap and die, they have a 25$ min. order so a few-four different T/D's will get you to that price point quickly. You will have them in 2-3 days. They are good people too.

IPD_Mr · Jun 23, 2012

We do have a couple of the M9 x .75 sets available this morning. These are the adjustable dies. This is a good size for the body to section connection and it doesn't matter if it is a FP or RB. Other sizes are based on what you are making and where. FPs require specific taps for the feed holder. Cap to body will be based on the size of the pen you are making and if you want single or triple starts. I would say you should look at what you want to make first and then go from there to determine the size of taps and dies that you will need. Unfortunately it is not as simple as buying a set of tap and dies as the sets rarely have a size that you will use.

Jgrden · Jun 23, 2012

Lucky2 said:
John, I'm not trying to be a smart-ass, but if a person is looking for something of quality, they don't usually look for Harbor Freight to have it. At least, that's what I've been told.
Len

Gotcha, thanks,
John

Jgrden · Jun 23, 2012

Andrew_K99 said:
Are you looking to go 'kitless'?

If so HF and most other local stores won't have the sizes you're after. Some may be able to order them, but you'd likely pay a premium.

As noted above some of the IAP vendors carry some of the ones you'll be after. Victor machinery (Victor Machinery - Metalworking tools and supplies) is a good source for the common metric sizes (though the M9x.75 die is out of stock).

If you're looking at kitless you'll want to do a bunch of research and some sketches to figure out which ones you'll need, it's not that many you'll actually need.

AK

I am noticing that specific tap and die sizes are what we need. Not just a complete set, which would cost hundreds. Now my home work is to decided what specific tap to use for a Barron or Churchill and the same for the die. The other is the cap for the clip and the size should consider using.
Good work, thank you. Still looking for any help,
John

Jgrden · Jun 23, 2012

IPD_Mr said:
We do have a couple of the M9 x .75 sets available this morning. These are the adjustable dies. This is a good size for the body to section connection and it doesn't matter if it is a FP or RB. Other sizes are based on what you are making and where. FPs require specific taps for the feed holder. Cap to body will be based on the size of the pen you are making and if you want single or triple starts. I would say you should look at what you want to make first and then go from there to determine the size of taps and dies that you will need. Unfortunately it is not as simple as buying a set of tap and dies as the sets rarely have a size that you will use.

Yes, I am learning that triple start is what I want. Also, Baron style as well as Churchill. I want to get good enough for the hidden clip, or a screw-on clip top

Thank you,
John

jd99 · Jun 23, 2012

Save yourself some money go to an good industrial supply and see what they have first before getting some that are double or triple the retail price.

MSC Industrial Supply Co. | Find Power Tools, Hand Tools, Machine Tools & More

Is one, there are others.

The triple start are a little harder to find but they can be found, and they are not "custom made" all though some think they are.....

AnachitlPut · Jun 23, 2012

harbor frright and quality in the same conversation with out the word poor or bad. that is a new one.

Haynie · Jun 23, 2012

Hey Luke, I have a four inch angle grinder that worked along side a dewalt and milwaukee. When those two died the HF still worked flawlessly. Good items can be had, in fact all of the machines I am using are sold by harbor freight. They were in use in the shop daily for many many years without issue.

I am watching this thread pretty close.

Jgrden · Jun 24, 2012

Andrew_K99 said:
Are you looking to go 'kitless'?

If so HF and most other local stores won't have the sizes you're after. Some may be able to order them, but you'd likely pay a premium.

As noted above some of the IAP vendors carry some of the ones you'll be after. Victor machinery (Victor Machinery - Metalworking tools and supplies) is a good source for the common metric sizes (though the M9x.75 die is out of stock).

If you're looking at kitless you'll want to do a bunch of research and some sketches to figure out which ones you'll need, it's not that many you'll actually need.

AK

Which do you prefer using MM or Standard? Makes no difference to me, just how kits are calibrated.

Andrew_K99 · Jun 24, 2012

Jgrden said:
Which do you prefer using MM or Standard? Makes no difference to me, just how kits are calibrated.

I've not used standard nor have I done enough with metric to give you an honest opinion.

I went metric based on my research here, metric also comes in finer thread sizes which is well suited for pens.

AK

Jgrden · Jun 24, 2012

Winner

IPD_Mr said:
We do have a couple of the M9 x .75 sets available this morning. These are the adjustable dies. This is a good size for the body to section connection and it doesn't matter if it is a FP or RB. Other sizes are based on what you are making and where. FPs require specific taps for the feed holder. Cap to body will be based on the size of the pen you are making and if you want single or triple starts. I would say you should look at what you want to make first and then go from there to determine the size of taps and dies that you will need. Unfortunately it is not as simple as buying a set of tap and dies as the sets rarely have a size that you will use.

I am interested. You site has a question from me.

I need a IAP discount. :smile-big:

John
Lake Arrowhead, Ca.

Jgrden · Jun 24, 2012

Andrew_K99 said:
Jgrden said:

Which do you prefer using MM or Standard? Makes no difference to me, just how kits are calibrated.

Click to expand...

I've not used standard nor have I done enough with metric to give you an honest opinion.

I went metric based on my research here, metric also comes in finer thread sizes which is well suited for pens.

AK

I agree, metric is for me so I will follow that avenue.

Andrew_K99 · Jun 27, 2012

.... wrong thread ....