Thread Milling Software

[Les RileyParticipant @lesriley75593]

I’ve been playing about doing some thread milling today. First time I have tried it.

I needed to put a 7/8th by 26 tpi thread on a bronze part.

I used the wizard that comes with Mach 3.

It has done the job but I have had to fiddle about with tool diameters to get the right depth of cut.

The parameters seem a bit vague?

What software do others use to get the code?

I have a Bridgeport interact running on Mach 3.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

I use Fusion 360 for my CAM which outputs mach3

Although you can measure the tool diameter if you are lucky much like using partial form threading inserts on the lathe you need to allow for the radius on the tip of the cutter and not all makers give that and it will affect depth of cut so it is a bit trial and error.

[blowlampParticipant @blowlamp]

CamBam does thread milling.

 

Martin.

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

There was a member here posting as richardandtracey who made pens and developed a thread milling gcode generator.  Maybe he will see your post and respond. From what I recall worked extremely well, not sure if it did external as well as internal threads. I used an internal threading tool with 10mm shank, insert tip. Mounted in a mill collet, to make an m14x1 thread for a Unimat and it gave an excellent fit with no fettling first time. Following my request he added a feature to allow outside-in threading which allows you to make thread mills from taps of the appropriate size, for example I sacrificed an M8x1 tap by grinding off 2 sets of teeth and successfully used that as well.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

John, did you use a full or partial form insert when you did the M14x1?

The other thing that can affect the fit of the thread is the rigidity of the cutter, one on a 10mm shank is not going to flex much but one on a 4mm shank is likely to deflect more so number of cutting and finish passes will come into play

[DC31kParticipant @dc31k]

Just to echo the comments about proper input of tool geometry being critical for success.

It could be instructive to look up the manufacturer’s data for a high-end thread mill (e.g. OSG) and see how it compares with the information you have available for your own tool.

The manufacturers would also have some guidelines on machining strategies for best success/highest production/longest tool life etc.

[NealebParticipant @nealeb]

I have used F360 to generate thread-milling gcode – I needed something like a M10x1 LH thread which gave me an excuse to play!

As with lathe tooling, you can get full-profile cutters which cut several crest-and-root profiles simultaneously but only for one pitch or “single-point” cutters that can cut a range of pitches. I used one of the latter – cheaper! – but never managed to calculate the accurate depth of cut for a pitch in the middle of the range. Same issue as single-point lathe screwcutting tools. Ended up cut-and-try but it gave a good fit in the end.

[blowlamp]

On blowlamp Said:

CamBam does thread milling.

 

Martin.

Thanks for that. I use Cambam as my primary generator.

It sounds like my experience is not unusual and that minor alterations are to be expected, especially with homemade or non standard tools.

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Jason, this one I think
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[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Looks like the site where you could download the code I referred to – chestnut pens – has gone.  I do have copies of the code, it can do both internal and external, 2 flavours of internal – top down and bottom up.  Latter is best for single point or proper thread milling tools.

I have tried installing the CamBam threading MOP but so far unsuccessfully.

[John Haine]

On John Haine Said:

I have tried installing the CamBam threading MOP but so far unsuccessfully.

I have tried to install it too and nothing happens. It has not been updated since 2016 so I reckon it is a dud…

[Les Riley]

On Les Riley Said:

On John Haine Said:

I have tried installing the CamBam threading MOP but so far unsuccessfully.

I have tried to install it too and nothing happens. It has not been updated since 2016 so I reckon it is a dud…

I have not seen any updates on CamBam for a very long time. A great pity, extremely effective software.

[blowlampParticipant @blowlamp]

Ok we’ll try again with CamBam…

Go to the 4th post down and download the 64bit version.

It should now work – well it does for me. 😉

Please note that an icon doesn’t appear on the toolbar, it only appears under the Machining menu.

 

Martin.

[blowlamp]

On blowlamp Said:

Ok we’ll try again with CamBam…

Go to the 4th post down and download the 64bit version.

It should now work – well it does for me. 😉

Please note that an icon doesn’t appear on the toolbar, it only appears under the Machining menu.

 

Martin.

Right. I have downloaded and installed the 64 bit version of Cambam and the thread milling add on came down with it and is there in the machining list. Happy days! I’ll try it out soon.

Thanks Martin.

[blowlampParticipant @blowlamp]

I’m happy to hear that, Les. I hope you’re up and running now.

Just in case you didn’t know – select Climb milling to do a ‘bottom up’ cut in holes if you need to prevent chip crowding.

Martin.

[blowlamp]

On blowlamp Said:

Ok we’ll try again with CamBam…

Go to the 4th post down and download the 64bit version.

It should now work – well it does for me. 😉

Please note that an icon doesn’t appear on the toolbar, it only appears under the Machining menu.

 

Martin.

Please could you explain how? I have downloaded the dll and put it in the plugin folder but no sign of it.

[John Haine]

On John Haine Said:

On blowlamp Said:

Ok we’ll try again with CamBam…

Go to the 4th post down and download the 64bit version.

It should now work – well it does for me. 😉

Please note that an icon doesn’t appear on the toolbar, it only appears under the Machining menu.

 

Martin.

Please could you explain how? I have downloaded the dll and put it in the plugin folder but no sign of it.

John.

I have the 64bit version of CamBam installed on my laptop and I don’t think it came with the Thread Milling plugin.

I found the last link I posted here on the CamBam forum after finding the original one I linked to didn’t work for me.

With the CamBam app closed on my laptop I installed the 64bit plugin into the plugin folder and then started CamBam.

No Thread Milling icon was displayed alongside the Profile, Pocket and Engrave etc icons. You can only find it in the Machining menu, which I’ve highlighted in yellow, but not in the left window pane.

Martin.

 

[Les RileyParticipant @lesriley75593]

I tried all ways until I installed the 64 bit version and then everything was OK. Only visible in the machining menu though as Martin said.

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Right I just re-installed, this time the 64-bit version.  Thread milling can be selected from the top machining tab but not from the “machining” folder! Anyway it’s there.  Thanks for the help.

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