Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: General Tool Life Question

Tim Goldstein wrote:

> Yes many USA companies appear to make carbon steel taps. I am actually
> shopping for a tap and dies set to cover 4-40 through 1/2" and waht I really
> want is USA made, HHS, and would like to keep it under $200. I am amazed at
> the number of USA carbon steel sets I see. Anyone have any ideas on where to
> get a HSS set? So far I have found an unknown brand USA at Enco for about
> $170 for a 39 piece set and McMaster lists one for about $180 but I haven't
> check the country of origin (I would guess USA, but need to call and
> verify).

I don't buy sets anymore. I buy expensive (mostly USA made) 'CNC' taps
that are on sale from some of the overstock flyers. Grand tool, JTS and
some other outfits have regular (quarterly or so) sales that often have really
good bargains. For blind holes, which I need to tap a lot, I use spiral flute
taps, which often list for $11 - $18, but I can usually get them for $4 - $7
when they are on sale. These are name brands like Fette, ITW, etc.

$170 for 39 pieces comes out to $4.35 ea, so that is probably not a great
bargain.

Jon