Re: Tapping Heads

Paul Corner wrote:

> From: Paul Corner <Paul.Corner@...>
>
> > I set the 1J head for 210 RPM, and computed the feed rate for
> > a 6-32 thread as 210/32 = 6.56 IPM, and so the retract would be 13.12 IPM.
>
> A bit slow on the spindle speed isn't Jon ?
> Seen a machine in use at the NEC running at 8000rpm with an M6 tap.

Hey, you've got to realize, this is a 58 year old machine, with X and Y
axis drives pulled out of an Excellon circuit board drill that was designed
to push a 5 Lb air-bearing table around. Also, I don't have taps with oil
cooling holes in them!

Once I build confidence in this whole business, I might turn up the speed
and feed rate. But, this is the FIRST time I've ever used this type of
tapping, and I had no idea if it was going to break taps, the tapping head,
try to tap all the way through my vise, or whatever. (Actually, I did some
practice cycles off to the side of the vise and work, but then the tapping
head functions only when the tap actually contacts the work.)

Everybody is talking about 800 IPM rapid feeds, nowadays! Well,
crazy! If I had an 800 IPM rapid, I'd have to bolt my machine to the
floor, or it would tip over!

Jon