Introduction: How to Make a Metal Lathe Tap and Die Jig
This is the first project i have made on my new lathe . It is a easy way to Use a die to make threads or chase them to clean them up.
Step 1: My New Lathe and Mill
The first picture is my new precision matthews 12 x 36 metal lathe and the 2nd picture is my new precision matthews pm30mv mil
Step 2: Tap and Die Plans
Here are the detailed plans for the project.
Step 3: Turning the Main Body of the Die Jig
Picture #1 shows the turning of the main body of the die jig to 1''
Picture # 2 shows drilling the body all the way thru with a 1/2 inch drill .I then bored the end to 13/16 x3/8 deep for the die to be inserted.
Step 4: Knurling
The first and second picture show the knurling process. It took a few times to get it right .
Step 5: Finished Main Body
1st picture shows the finished body and the metal stock i used .
2nd , 3rd and 4th picture shows the finished die assembly.
Step 6: Support Arms With Knobs Plan
Step 7: 3 Handles and Knobs
#2 Shows the knobs being polished
#3 and #4 show the finished die jig
video #1 shows the die jig in use chasing threads on the lathe
video #2 shows a ball turner i made making the knobs for the die jig
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23 Discussions
Question 2 years ago
Nice. Looks like a project I'll have to try!! I just ordered a PM 1030 Lathe and PM30 Mill... Can't wait to get them. How have you liked yours??
6 years ago on Introduction
Cool tool. ~:- }
8 years ago on Introduction
Awesome stuff.....how much was the lathe and mill any ways...?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
The lathe and mill are from precision Matthews . The lathe is a 12x36 and the mill is a pm 30. The lathe was 3,000 and the mill was 2,000
8 years ago on Introduction
Awesome and inspiring. Wish I had a lathe too...
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
There are some nice sites and prices . www.littlemachineshop.com
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
I am limited to working on a folding bench in my back yard (though I get my shed back this year :D ) and am pretty broke. I've designed myself a miniature lathe based on the insides of a food processor but need the weather to improve before I can do any work on it - as to anything else, well, I can dream...
8 years ago on Introduction
What is the 5/8" dia x 5" bar with the 3/8" bore for? can you send me a photo???
"If you look at the main picture you will see a drill chuck . The sleeved shaft goes on the drill chuck shaft and slides in the bored shaft for when your using a tap in the little chuck . If that makes sense if not i will try and explain it again"
I´m learnin english!!!!
thanks a lot, good job!!!
mauro
8 years ago on Introduction
I'm so jealous right now. Where exactly did you buy your china made lathe?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Depends on the size . qualitymachinetools.com or a nice site for small lathes is littlemachineshop .com
8 years ago on Introduction
Amazing, I use exactly the same model of lathe at school, how much did it set you back?
I personally don't like them, they seem to be quite inaccurate, but that might just be years of abuse! The best precision I can get seems to be about 0.2mm.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
These lathes are china built . You have to keep that in mind when you are buying . The lathe and mill i bought together was 5,000 bucks.If it was American made it would have cost me 40,000. The y have there quirks at times but other than that there a really good machines ...
8 years ago on Introduction
The lathe may be new to you, but it's obvious you are not new to lathes. This will be a great help with one of my To-Do projects. How about an instructable on the ball making tool
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
I do have a instructable on the ball turner .Take a look at my page .Its the 1st one on my page... I went to boces in high school which is a vocational school. Other than that i learned what i know and still am learning from my father who helps me and reminds me what i didnt know and also what i have forgot !!
8 years ago on Introduction
Nice project, I'm going to put it on my list of things to do. But first I'll have to make a custom ball turner. What is the 5/8" dia x 5" bar with the 3/8" bore for? Is that for mounting your drill chuck?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
That is for the tap Jig which i totally forgot to put pictures or in the instructable!!! (SSSHHHHHH) dont tell!! lol If you look at the main picture you will see a drill chuck . The sleeved shaft goes on the drill chuck shaft and slides in the bored shaft for when your using a tap in the little chuck . If that makes sense if not i will try and explain it again.. lol
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
I take it the material is aluminum? What tolerance did you use for the pieces? For the handle you have listed 1/2" for the bore and 1/2" for the bar? I guess it doesn't matter much as long as one slides smoothly into the other.
8 years ago on Introduction
Wish I had a lathe :(
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
me too. I'm currently trying to make a tablet press for caffeinated candy and effervescent tablets, but I need to precision mill the stuff. oh well, I will soon be in a college of engineering where I'll have access to this kind of stuff.
8 years ago on Introduction
You are my hero