Tap and die questions

[thewishman]

I'm ready to start using my group-buy (M12.0 x 0.8P x 2.4L triple-start) tap and die and I find I don't know enough to get started.

Is there a front side to the die?

What size should the material be to fit in the die?

I think I remember that the hole for the tap should be 12 - .8 = 11.2mm, is that right?

It all looks so easy when admiring someone else's work.

 

[hewunch]

Front side yes. The side with writing is more open than the other side. Material, a hair under 12 mm. Depending on material, maybe two hairs. (11.8 ish)
Hole for tap would be right too. I use a 7/16 bit. Works good.
Can't wait to see what you come up with.

 

[thewishman]

Thanks, Hans. Just got the tapping done, Loaded the material (scrap from a Lava Lamp blank) in my new collet chuck and ready to turn it down to size.

There sure are a lot of things to plan for with this threading stuff. But it opens up the possibilities!:biggrin:

 

[mredburn]

Try .464 o/d on a spare piece of material for the male threads. adjust to suit your needs.