Turning Hex Stock

[osmqc]

We are going to turn hex stock to make a step nut using 7/8 hex, grade 5 SAE J995 Steel, with a 5/16-18 UNC thread in the center. We will be using a SL-20 with a servo bar 300 bar feeder.

Our concerns are:
1. Will the hex stock when loaded with the bar feeder be lined up with the hex collet, or is this not a very good idea. In the past we have seen the stock get hung up and the push rod on the barfeeder gets bent.

2. Has anyone used the combo "drill/tap"?

If anyone has had experiance in turning hex stock, your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advanced!
OSMQC

[mrainey]

We used a three-jaw chuck with carbide grippers in the jaws. I don't know about the bar feeder question.

Get your first roughing pass deep enough to be under the interruption.

[HuFlungDung]

If you are machining off the bar, I don't see how a combo drill/tap could be used, since their application is for through holes. The drill end must exit before threading can begin.