rigid tapping on mini mill good or bad

[mls]

I have a 2002 mini mill (standard 6k spindle).
I am running it single phase my haas dealer told me it makes no more power on three phase with the way haas wires it I think something with the spindle drive.
I do have the medium size phase perfect converter but see no reason to use it unless it will make more power.

Anyway what is your opinion on that.

Also I would like to buy the rigid tapping option will this tap a 1/2 -13 thread in alum .65 deep and what size is safe in alum / steel / stainless.

I have heard of pecktapping on the haas does this work very good

The tapping option is kinda exspensive (but so is handtapping) I just dont want to be limited to 1/4 - 20 threads

Thanks for your help Mike

[Greg 24]

Mike,
We have a 2000 Mini Mill (6000k spindle) & I used to rigid tap M16x2 holes in 65-45-12 Ductile Iron with no problems (full depth @ 3/4" deep). The reason I don't use the Mini Mill to do it now is because we have a VF4 APC & we can do a lot more of these parts on it. I also tapped M20 holes, but I only started the threads in these holes maybe 1/4" deep (same material as above). I did tap 1/2 -13 holes in steel a lot as well, but I used spirial fluted taps when I did this. I would recommend the rigid tap option for sure. The MM can handle it. We used our MM on A36 Steel, A572 grade 50, 4140, 1018, 304SS, A360 Brass & 6061. This little machine is a real workhorse. We only run single phase on it, but we do have 3 phase power coming into the shop for the other machines. Hope this information will help you out.

Greg

[mls]

Greg
Thanks that is the info I was looking for I really like this machine and will be getting the option now for sure. were you peck tapping these hole or just standard single depth tapping.
Thanks again Mike

[Greg 24]

Mike,
We always use single depth tapping. I heard of people peck tapping & I have wanted to try it, but just never got around to it. For sure you will be able to tap larger then 1/4" holes. The mini mills are good little work beasts. I have even used a 3.5" 60 deg inserted dovetail cutter (in A36 & 4140 steel) on it (multiple steps) and with no problems. Glad to help.

Greg