DIY 1/2-10 5 start works pretty good

[rlwoodjr]

Thanks to Ahren (www.cncrouterparts.com ) who sent me a couple of pieces of 1/2-10 5.

I milled 4 flutes 3/16" wide and 0.1" deep, then tapered the end.

The plastic has a .445" hole drilled into it

[rlwoodjr]

Here is a short movie file showing the results.

The tap is around 6" long. I think I will make one around 12" long.

The process:
I put it in my cordless drill and went forward then reverse until it broke through, then I did it a couple more times.

[johnmac]

You can reduce or eliminate backlash by the exact diameter of drill bit used for the hole. Worked for me.

John

[ahren]

Glad to see it worked out for you! So what now? Are you planning on building a machine? Need any bearing blocks or linear motion components to go with your new drive nut?

Ahren
www.cncrouterparts.com

[rlwoodjr]

Originally Posted by ahren Glad to see it worked out for you! So what now? Are you planning on building a machine? Need any bearing blocks or linear motion components to go with your new drive nut? Ahren www.cncrouterparts.com

I need to finish the one I am making for dad, http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83471
then I am making him a 2 axis for a small wood lathe, then I am making mine so I have quite awhile before I will start on it.

I
Thanks again for the samples...I will have to save some cash to buy some of these acme screws.

[rlwoodjr]

Originally Posted by johnmac You can reduce or eliminate backlash by the exact diameter of drill bit used for the hole. Worked for me. John

What size drill did you use?

I was also thinking about freezing the plastic to make it more rigid.

[johnmac]

I was tapping a hole for 3/4x10 and I don't remember now. My first try was too tight and I used a slightly larger bit. I had extra plastic and did some testing on the scrap.

John