[ATM] RE: Cutting thread in aluminum

["John Horton" <johnke7cw@lbdsl.net>]

I made a tap drill tool holder for taps and drills that I commonly use.  For
each tap I have a tap drill and a clearance drill and keep them together
that way.  I have from 2-56 to 1/4-20 taps and associated drills.  It works
well for me.  Also some hardware stores and tool stores sell a tap drill
guide that has the size of the tap and tells the drill needed for the tap
and the clearance drills.  A very useful tool indeed.  Also keeping the tap
lubricated, soap is easy to use and clean up after.  Sometimes you need to
use a cutting oil to tap some hard metals as heat builds up while cutting
the threads.  I personally use AMSOIL synthetic oil as it really wicks the
heat away form the cutting area and have successfully tapped and drilled
some 4130 chrome molly pipe with the AMSOIL.

One note aside. Buy good drills and good taps and stay away from the 99 cent
specials like they had the "Plague".  They are not worth the price in the
long run.















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