Threading

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How/what do you use for cutting external & internal threads in wood?

Thanks.
Darryl Hall

I'm going to assume you mean cutting threads for pens, right!

I use regular metal cutting taps and dies. While not a big user of wood when it comes to making my threaded pieces, I have had marginal luck with soaking the wood with CA before cutting threads. Also, cutting threads with my metal lathe works a LOT better in wood than using a tap or die by hand.

Another nice option is to use brass threaded inserts which can just be epoxied into a wood blank and are a lot stronger than wood threads.

For anything larger like decorative wooden nuts and bolts, I use John Beall's threading sets but those are real big threads.
 
The best threads I've seen in wood pens are from this artist. They are very unique and very coarse.

http://www.artcarvedpens.com/

Whenever I want to use wood on a pen that I am threading, I always use a plastic or ebonite insert which are much more stable threads. Threads in the later 2 materials can be cut with taps and dies, on a metal lathe or CNC.
 
Thanks for the replies. I wasn't referring to pens specifically, just in general.

Although I've never made one, I plan to make some seam rippers and was thinking of hollowing out the end of the handle with a cap that would screw in, providing a place for extra blade inserts.

Just a thought.
 
Thanks for the replies. I wasn't referring to pens specifically, just in general.

Although I've never made one, I plan to make some seam rippers and was thinking of hollowing out the end of the handle with a cap that would screw in, providing a place for extra blade inserts.

Just a thought.

Once upon a time I saw the wooden bolts and nuts and thought........ what a unique pen case that would make, just hollow out the bolt for the pen to fit inside. Here are the Beall sets..... http://www.bealltool.com/products/threading/threader.php

For what you want to do, I don't see why you couldn't use a larger tap and die, probably a lot courser like some pipe thread sizes.

I'd be interested in seeing what you come up with if you look into it.
 
How/what do you use for cutting external & internal threads in wood?

Thanks.
Darryl Hall

To join the thread; I saw a comment mentioned on a video by JR Beal that you should not try to thread end grain because the threads will be weak. Think about the grain orientation on the threads. He suggested using thin CA after threading to strengthen the threads.
 
http://books.google.com/books?id=I9...EwAQ#v=onepage&q=cutting wood threads&f=false

Cutting threads

This article covers all methods used to cut both external & internal threads. Yes there are newer references, especially for hand chasing. I have not been able to do more than make circles on wood with my Sorby thread chasing kit. Lot of people use epoxy to make their threads (ext-internal) work. Have seen both homemade and commercial equipment to cut threads over the years.
 
The best threads I've seen in wood pens are from this artist. They are very unique and very coarse.

http://www.artcarvedpens.com/

Whenever I want to use wood on a pen that I am threading, I always use a plastic or ebonite insert which are much more stable threads. Threads in the later 2 materials can be cut with taps and dies, on a metal lathe or CNC.

And single start, square and beautiful to boot. I have seen Dan's pens in person (actually I own one :tongue:) and they are gorgeous.
 
the idea has been around a while -- the old miller falls egg beater drills have hollow handles with a top cap that thread on -- all in painted wood and done about 100 years ago.

Bonnie Klein threaders and Baxter Threaders will do it -- but hard stable woods are needed. Inserts of PVC are suggested with thread cutting tools (scrapers) if you cannot find high density woods.

Friction fit tenon and cap may be a good approach for a seldom used access such as a thread ripper/seam ripper --

I look forward to seeing your design and how it works for you,
 
the idea has been around a while -- the old miller falls egg beater drills have hollow handles with a top cap that thread on -- all in painted wood and done about 100 years ago.

Bonnie Klein threaders and Baxter Threaders will do it -- but hard stable woods are needed. Inserts of PVC are suggested with thread cutting tools (scrapers) if you cannot find high density woods.

Friction fit tenon and cap may be a good approach for a seldom used access such as a thread ripper/seam ripper --

I look forward to seeing your design and how it works for you,

That's a thought Ken, but will the wood contract & expand with the weather?
 
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