Spring Tapping Guide

[VicParticipant @vic]

I have three of these and use them quite often but they have a common problem. They all have 1/2” bodies which is too large for one of the two smaller chucks I often like to use. Simple things I know but have any of you seen a drawing for a 10mm shank version to save me some time on the computer. TIA.

[VicParticipant @vic]

[Thor 🇳🇴Participant @thor]

Hi Vic,

Years ago I made a simple one with 10mm OD, there is a simple sketch at the end of this pdf.

Thor

[VicParticipant @vic]

Thanks for that Thor.

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

Could you turn down the OD of the shank, for as far as possible (without breaking into the innards )?

Howard

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

Posted by Vic on 13/09/2019 15:36:14:

They all have 1/2” bodies which is too large for one of the two smaller chucks I often like to use.

I think I would take the simple option and use the other chuck.

I have one chuck always holding a centre drill. Quicker to change the chuck than changing from centre drill to a larger drill bit. I don’t lose the centre drill as easily that way, too.

[Anthony KnightsParticipant @anthonyknights16741]

I made a spring centre using a MT2 blank. Just swop with the chuck when it needs to be used.

[Trevor Drabble 1Participant @trevordrabble1]

Vic , Are the ones from Arceuro not suitable ?

Trevor.

Edited By Trevor Drabble on 14/09/2019 11:07:22

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

Well done, Anthony. Simple and no need for a computer to design. KISS principle definitely in operation there.

Questions: Did you actually harden that point? If so, why?

added: good for the lathe. Not quite so fast, to change over, on the mill.

Edited By not done it yet on 14/09/2019 12:10:47

[Anthony KnightsParticipant @anthonyknights16741]

Hi NDIY. The point isn't hardened. The oxide colours are a result of silver soldering the 10mm collar on the other end of the shaft.

edited to add photo

Edited By Anthony Knights on 15/09/2019 13:45:23

[VicParticipant @vic]

Posted by Trevor Drabble on 14/09/2019 11:06:25:

Vic , Are the ones from Arceuro not suitable ?

Trevor.

Edited By Trevor Drabble on 14/09/2019 11:07:22

Not sure. I did buy a commercial one once but it was so wobbly I had to ream the hole and make new innards to make it usable.

I’ve now made a 10mm shaft version so all sorted.

I have in the past resorted to just using a pointed length of steel in the chuck but not being spring loaded is less convenient.

As for turning down a 1/2” model, I doubt there’s enough material on the ones I have. One in particular has a 10mm grub screw in the back.

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

Posted by not done it yet on 14/09/2019 02:56:13:

Posted by Vic on 13/09/2019 15:36:14:

They all have 1/2” bodies which is too large for one of the two smaller chucks I often like to use.

I think I would take the simple option and use the other chuck.

I have one chuck always holding a centre drill. Quicker to change the chuck than changing from centre drill to a larger drill bit. I don’t lose the centre drill as easily that way, too.

Go on, tell us why you don’t use the other chuck. Seemed, to me, to be the obvious solution – but there must be a sensible reason why you don’t use the one (of the two) that is large enough?

[VicParticipant @vic]

NDIY, the Z space on my mill can be limiting so it sometimes helps to use the smallest Chuck I have. There are other ways round it like using a collet direct in the spindle but for most jobs it’s more convenient to keep the chuck in the quill.

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

Thanks for the reason. It just seemed the sensible way to go, because of the info provided in your thread opening post.

How much longer is this other small chuck? Is there scope to slightly shorten the spring-loaded tip of just one of your three tapping guides?

I was likely thinking ‘lathe’ and not ‘mill’ as well. Again, the comprehensive detail only emerges much later.

[VicParticipant @vic]

I’ve just checked and there is a 30mm difference between my Albrecht 16mm and Rohm 10mm. It doesn’t sound much but can make the difference with some jobs.

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