Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Using a CNC Mill to tap holes?

In a message dated 13-May-02 02:28:10 Central Daylight Time,
peter.homann@... writes:

> Is it practical to tap holes using a CNC Mill (Taig) by driving the spindle
> with a stepper motor and holding a standard tap in a collet?

No. Kinda dangerous, actually. Certainly dangerous to your taps and item
being tapped! There is no "torque relief", so that when the tap snags, as
any will, the machine will keep-on driving it, until something busts. You
need a "tapping attachment" for this, a "gear-box thing" that you mount in
the collet, and the tap in IT. It also REVERSES ROTATION when lifting, so
the direction of rotation/screw-in/out matches the motion of the quill-lever
in your right hand.

The Yank "Tapmatic" is super for this, but it will cost the price of a new
VW! There are "knockoff" brands, but I don't know the names. "Pacific rim
stuff", doncha know!

Jan Rowland


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