Is there a chart or something that tells a big dummy like me what size drill bit to use for what size tap? and what diameter material for the matching die? thanks for any help!!
That looks pretty complete. Should be able to google a chart and find one as well, but why now! (see above =8^) ). As for material diameter for the die, your thread diameter is what the od should be, maybe a couple of thou under if anything. IE a 3/8-16 thread for example, 5/16 drill for the tap. 3/8 diameter for the die.
You don't need a chart ( though it is a nice quick reference )
Metric; simply subtract the small number from the big number = drill size
Standard; Use the magic number 0.9742
0.9742 divide Pitch = 'x'
Decimal Tap size subtract 'x' = drill size ( in decimal )