Taps & Dies Group Buys

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Kn0ttyTurner

Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2025
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5
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United States
Hello All,

I saw that this group has previously done a group buy for taps and dies to be used with kitless/bespoke pens. Is there currently any plans to get another round setup for this year? I would be interested in a few various sizes!
 
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I guess i haven't thought that far ahead. I am just getting into bespoke pens now. I think starting with some M12&M13 sets would be good? But I'll also need to get taps for the nib threads.
Check out this link, Turners Warehouse should have what you need. Anymore I think most people are getting here T&Ds from them.

 
Just my 2 cents...

The nib housing thread taps are pretty readily available and while a little pricy, aren't prohibitive.

"Most" people start with a M13 set for Cap/Barrel threads. I recommend working out the math on your design before purchasing. M12 is doable, but definitely tighter depending on what size nib you want to use.

Recommendation: If you haven't yet started making kitless/bespoke, give serious consideration to purchasing a single start tap and die set and giving it a try to make sure you enjoy the process. They are SO much more affordable.
 
I also vote for beginning this odyssey using single-start M13 x 0.75 (or M13 x 0.8) tap and die for the cap/barrel threads.

My suggestion for a nib unit to start with is JoWo #6, that requires a tap M7.5 x 0.5 (or M7.4 x 0.5).

Bock #6 is an equally good choice in my opinion. You just have to be careful buying the tap for Bock #6 units, they are a bit different. Kirk at PenRealm.com sells the correct ones.

Both of those nib units require multiple drills inside the grip section. By far the easiest thing to do is buy a step-drill that Rick Herrell has ground to make all the internal steps with a single tool instead of having to swap out 3 different drill bits and ensure they are lined up perfectly concentric. Rick's vendor sub-forum: LINK Check out his catalog of neat stuff and post a message there saying what you're interested in. (He also makes threaded mandrels to hold a section, and threaded mandrels to hold a pen cap and barrel.)
 
Just my 2 cents...

The nib housing thread taps are pretty readily available and while a little pricy, aren't prohibitive.

"Most" people start with a M13 set for Cap/Barrel threads. I recommend working out the math on your design before purchasing. M12 is doable, but definitely tighter depending on what size nib you want to use.

Recommendation: If you haven't yet started making kitless/bespoke, give serious consideration to purchasing a single start tap and die set and giving it a try to make sure you enjoy the process. They are SO much more affordable.
thanks for the advice! i may already have an m13 sitting around that is single start.
 
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