Nikken tapping collet

Hi all,

Query regarding recently acquired Nikken Z12 tapping head; HOW DO I USE IT?

I bought it as an experiment and need instruction on its use. It came with collets for M3, 4, 5 and 6.

It fits in my pillar drill and appears to be complete and operable but I don't want to use it till I know what to expect from it and how to use it.

If anyone has one and uses it then please drop me a line here to enlighten me a little.

Regards T

hi have a look at this on YouTube it goes on a bit but good guide

**LINK**

ty Kevin

Hi Kevin, the link don't work on my computer mate.

I will search you tube anyway to try and locate said tutorial.

Main thing is do I have to reverse the drill for withdrawing the tap? Looks like there is no reversing function to this unit.

I don't want to start breaking taps for the want of a bit of information lol.

Regards T

A quick search on the internet seems to show that this is a tension/compression tapping head, so yes, you will need to reverse the spindle in order to back the tap out.

I can't help with specific advice on using a drill press, as I've only ever used my tension/compression tapping head on a CNC mill where the whole operation is automatic and spindle reverse it pretty quick, less than two rotations.

Regards,

Andrew

Hi There

Some tapping heads are designed so that when the extended tapping head reaches a certain depth the tap stops going round, the head is frewheeling. Then, when you reverse the spindle, the tap comes out.

Maybe it is this type.

regards David

My tapping head has depth and torque adjustments in case of hitting the bottom of a hole and reverses itself when retracted. I'm not sure what make it is though. To operate it the drilling machine stop is set to start the thread then the tap pulls itself in until the depth ajustment disengages then lifting the machine's handle reverses the tap out. You need to use machine taps with tapping heads to get swarf clearance unless you use roll taps.

I take it this unit is for CNC machines then? Looks like it will be up for sale pretty soon then lol

Regards T

If indeed it is a tension/compression tapping head then, yes, it is intended for use on a machine where the spindle can reverse quickly and automatically. In practise that means CNC. It would be possible to use one on a drill press, but I expect it would get tedious rather quickly, with a high probability of making a boo-boo in the sequernce of operations, well it would for me anyway. It would also be tricky to use on a manual machine for blind holes.

Regards,

Andrew