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.....
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.
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.
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