Re: Speed of Tapping Head?

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Peter Homann" <peter.homann@a...> wrote:

> Hi Dave,
>
> Thanks for the reply. Surely the 2000rpm is for the input
> spindle of the tapping head? Is the tap turning that fast,
> or is it geared down by the tapping head. I was expecting
> something like 30- 60 rpm.

Nope, tapping heads are used in industry to tap at those
kind of speeds (on small holes, like #6-32, etc.)

The most important factor for tapping fast is the type of
tap. The traditional hand tap is hopeless because of the
need to break chips. For thru holes (or deep blind holes
with chip space), use spiral point taps - the point design
pushes the chips forward to clear the flutes. For blind
holes you have to use spiral flute taps that pull the chip
back like a drill bit.

Personally, I'll never buy another hand tap. Spiral point
taps are stronger and much easier to use. Spiral flute taps
aren't as strong, so I only use them for blind holes, but
they still beat hand taps.

I've never tapped at 1000+ RPM myself, but I have power
tapped 3/8-16 with a tap in my reversing drill press spindle
at 100+ RPM, and I've done smaller holes using a tapping head
at over 200 RPM. The difference is that the drill press takes
several revolutions to stop and reverse when I hit the switch,
but the tapping head can stop and reverse in less than one
rev. So it's a lot easier to control the depth at high speed
with the tapping head.

Good luck with your project...

John Kasunich