taps and dies - about quality

[watch_art]

Will there be any real difference between these tools? I know they have different TPI, but I'm asking about quality. THere's a good price difference...

RDGTOOLS 9/16" x 32TPI DIE ( 32 TPI ) STANDARD | eBay

Enco - Guaranteed Lowest Prices on Machinery, Tools and Shop Supplies

I'm hoping to save myself some headache with poor tools if I can - or trying to save a few bucks. Whichever way it goes.

Thanks!

 

[randyrls]

The one on Ebay isn't in dollars, it's in Pounds so may not be as good as you thought.

For the acrylics used in pen making, the quality is of secondary importance, but taps are another story. Breaking off a tap in a hole often means the piece is ruined because you can't get the tap out so you throw out the entire piece and all the work you put in on it!

 

[Sylvanite]

There are a few differences between the dies you show. Besides being different sizes (one is 28tpi, the other 32), the Enco die has six cutting edges and is made of High Speed Steel. The eBay die has 4 edges and doesn't say what the material is -- probably carbon steel.

So, the Enco die should cut better and last much longer. I'd venture to say that if you value longevity, it's probably worth the higher price. Taps and dies are tools where differences in quality are noticable.

I hope that helps,
Eric

 

[watch_art]

Enco it is then. Didn't think about the cutting surfaces of HSS.
Thanks!

 

[BSea]

Have you looked at Victor Machinery? They have a $25 minimum. One other thing. You show a 1.5" die. Do you need that size? A 1" die is much cheaper.

Victor Machinery - Metalworking tools and supplies