I'm in Tap and Die Hell

[samualt]

I got 32 taps to do at 5/16-18 for my TSlots legs. Then I have another 24 at least for other parts. Doing this by hand is taking forever. I tried using a little oil. It does seem to help a little.

Any other tips?

On the upside, it's a no-brainer. So I can just sit in the garage during the sweltering heat and think of happier days while I work. LOL.

[duluthboat]

That's why they call it work.

I find that WD40 is a good tapping fluid for aluminum.

Gary

[IJ.]

I think if I faced that job I'd take the time to make a jig that would start the tap square and use a cordless drill with the clutch set light to do the job.

[Cold Fusion]

Get some WD40 and a long movie.

[buscht]

I agree with using a cordless drill, preferably one with a clutch. You would be done in an hour or so if you are careful

[ty1295]

Spiral taps and proper thread cutting fluid.

Makes all the difference in the world. Makes WD40 and old standard taps seem like water in comparison.

I only buy spiral now myself. big difference.

[dmgdesigns]

TAPMATIC!! Great tapping fluid. No sticking. No breaking. Like screwing a nut on a bolt. Get the kind for Alu.

[High Seas]

Just guessing -- you want a cleaner look than using the 90 degree angle brackets they make? I admit that gear can be a bit pricy - with all the screws, and bits, BUT - you have nearly infinate adjustment range in all three axes - and you can use those to help square the rig too. On the other hand, I did some of that "Work-stuff" too so I could mount end fittings for motors, etc - tapped using WD-40.

If it moves and shouldn't - Duct Tape it . If it should and it don't - WD40!
Cheers - Jim

[TAB]

Buy good taps. If the ones you are using came with that tap wrench then you sould invest in better quality. I would suggest two fluters that is what I use when I need to tap 80/20 at work.

I aplogise for ragging on your tap wrench but it looks like the kind you get in the cheap Chinese import tap kits and I know those taps are lousy at best.

[samualt]

TAB:
"...it looks like the kind you get in the cheap Chinese import tap kits..."
I'm so embarrassed! LOL. Yes, the handle is from a cheap chinese import tap kit (ala Harbour Freight). The tap is from the local hardware store because the kit didn't have what I wanted in it. I think the tap is name brand.

[strat]

when i'm tapping metal i use a mix of beeswax and kerosene works really good

[signIT]

Have you tried selftapping screws, same as the industries uses I have seen it in Hewlett Packard instruments and some japaneese euqipment they often use it when aluminium profiles is used.