Tap guides

Last week I really found out what a pain it is when one breaks off a 1/4" tap, with not an easy way to get it out. I have used a carbide cutter from MSC before, and they work real sweet. but I didn't have any on hand, at 70 bucks a pop. sometimes it is hard to have them around. waiting for a goof up.....:shock:
so the next best thing, is what am I doing wrong that causes the tap to break.
mostly improper alignment, and putting to much side pressure on it. and last of all not removing the tap a couple of times to clean out the chips...

I was always wanting to make one of these, A tap guide, there are a few different styles a person can purchase, but where is the fun in that. I have a lathe, why not make one.:-D
ended up using a small round stock 1.5" diameter, and 1" long, with this size, I was able to drill centering holes for the 3/8, 5/16, 1/4, #10, #8, & #6 taps...
one could make this on a drill press also.
while making these, I see the need to get a better drill selection. all I have at the moment are fractional ones, with this project the numbers and letter drill bits, would have let me get a closer tolerance.

there is another style that is on a bar with a "V" down the center, so a person could center it on a pipe or tubing...

I can see making another one for drilling the holes, I don't know how many times I have thought I was drilling a straight hole with a hand drill, and when all was said and done. they have been more than a few degrees off....

it is a simple tool. that could save a lot of us from an unexpected headache..

I included a few pictures while it was being made, it is always fun to turn something off center, to get the holes where I want them. and always check the final fit before rotating the work piece for the next hole.

It must be nice to go out there and just whip up whatever you need ! :lol:...I worked in a machine shop back in the high school days and we had those to keep the drill bits centered as well... Great job !!;thumb;

i don't know if having a lathe is a blessing or a curse. I am still so much on the learning curve.
I am always finding new tools that I need to have or make to complete a task.
the funnest part is, needing to make a tool with the lathe, but having a part on it. that once it is taken out, it is nearly impossible to dial it in, with what tools I have I can get it close to with in .0005 or there abouts.
so i am finding out, it is wise to have at least a couple of blanks on hand when starting a project. because the prototype is the learning curve.
like with the hub extension. every time I have taken it out and replaced it in the lathe, the little differences add up. but that is why at the moment I am playing on it. to find a method that I can use to get everything dialed in. it is looking like a 3 inch extension will be more than long enough.
now I am looking at how I can salvage the original hub, and use it useful someplace else on this redrive...