Hi all, Where do folks buy their tap and die sets? Am looking to make my first kitless, and need to pick up a m6.5x.5 tap (for the nib), a m10x1 tap and die (for the section), and a m12x.8 tap and die (for the cap).
Where do folks buy their taps and dies? I think I've seen victornet referenced on these forums before. Are those high quality and built to last (in contrast to cheapo tools on Amazon--I've been burned buying based on price there more than I'd care to admit)? I know Turners Warehouse has all these, but they look mighty expensive--$45-50 for the smaller ones and $180 for the m12 (all they have is triple start). Seeing as how I've got to buy three of these all at once, plus the close-end mandrels, I don't think I can shell out for the triple start at the moment.
Also, is there anything else that I'd need to get the dies and taps working? For example, I think I'd need a die-holder, right? Are those one size fits all, or should I purchase one with an eye toward other dies I may purchase in the future.
Finally, I'm planning to get a plug/bottoming tap for the section and cap. What kind of tap should I get for the nib? I was thinking just a regular tapered one. And does anyone know if I need right-handed or left-handed? For reference, I'm planning on using a No. 5 jowo nib.
If it matters, I do not have a metal lathe. I'm planning to give this a go on the wood lathe. And thanks to all who've posted tutorials on kit making to the library. I've reviewed a bunch and that has given me just the confidence boost that I need to give this a go.
Where do folks buy their taps and dies? I think I've seen victornet referenced on these forums before. Are those high quality and built to last (in contrast to cheapo tools on Amazon--I've been burned buying based on price there more than I'd care to admit)? I know Turners Warehouse has all these, but they look mighty expensive--$45-50 for the smaller ones and $180 for the m12 (all they have is triple start). Seeing as how I've got to buy three of these all at once, plus the close-end mandrels, I don't think I can shell out for the triple start at the moment.
Also, is there anything else that I'd need to get the dies and taps working? For example, I think I'd need a die-holder, right? Are those one size fits all, or should I purchase one with an eye toward other dies I may purchase in the future.
Finally, I'm planning to get a plug/bottoming tap for the section and cap. What kind of tap should I get for the nib? I was thinking just a regular tapered one. And does anyone know if I need right-handed or left-handed? For reference, I'm planning on using a No. 5 jowo nib.
If it matters, I do not have a metal lathe. I'm planning to give this a go on the wood lathe. And thanks to all who've posted tutorials on kit making to the library. I've reviewed a bunch and that has given me just the confidence boost that I need to give this a go.