Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: General Tool Life Question

Hope this tapping thread isn't getting too far OT.
I learned to use spiral flute taps is school.
First mark the tap for the depth you want to go, allowing for a small bit
of overtravel.
Next set the machine at it's lowest speed.
Manually run the spindle down until the tap grabs and starts pulling the
spindle down.
When the tap is deep enough, hit the reverse switch to back the tap out of
the hole.
This is MUCH faster than using a manual tap as you don't need to constantly
back the tap out to break up the chips. Instead of taking a few minutes to
tap the hole, you can tap one in a few seconds.

PS Automatic machine tools use spiral taps, not hand taps.

Smoke

> Jon & all:
>
> I was told recently that these spiral flute taps work better than straight
> taps for both hand and machine tapping. Does your, or anyone's, experience
> back this up? What are the advantages of these sprial flute taps?
> Hugh Currin, PE