Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: General Tool Life Question

On Thu, 17 Jan 2002 07:20:02 -0800, Jon Anderson
<janders@...> wrote:

>When I refit my CNC mill with the new quill feed, I'll be able to
>disconnect the quill from the ball screw, and plan to use it this way
>for tapping. Let the CNC position, M0, and feed the quill manually.

In my manual mill, I directly chuck the tap and let it drag the quill.
I have done this on through holes - the tap slips in the chuck before it
breaks, at least so far. A tapping attachment would be a huge
improvement for either machine.

On using one with my CNC in its present condition, my conclusion from
what you wrote is that it would be best to set it up to be sure it is a
little on the under feed side to be safe.

I got out the Rutland catalog. It shows a Tapmatic "SPD" series which
is supposed to be "For N/C machines with bore cycles - & automated drill
units of all types". This sounds like it might be "designed" to be used
in exactly my situation. The SPD-5 covers #6 - 1/2" which is 95% of all
the tapping I do. Alas, cheap it isn't. $540 with 7/8-20 threads,
$24.40 for the 3/4" straight shank (so it could be used in both mills),
plus 2 rubber flex collets at $37.50 each. Sigh ...

It goes on the wish list ...

Fitch