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 Comments
Question 4 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??
7 years ago on Introduction
Cool tool. ~:- }
9 years ago on Introduction
Awesome stuff.....how much was the lathe and mill any ways...?
Reply 9 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
10 years ago on Introduction
Awesome and inspiring. Wish I had a lathe too...
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
There are some nice sites and prices . www.littlemachineshop.com
Reply 10 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...
10 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
10 years ago on Introduction
I'm so jealous right now. Where exactly did you buy your china made lathe?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Depends on the size . qualitymachinetools.com or a nice site for small lathes is littlemachineshop .com
10 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 10 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 ...
10 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 10 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 !!
10 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 10 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 10 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.
10 years ago on Introduction
Wish I had a lathe :(
Reply 10 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.
10 years ago on Introduction
You are my hero