Mini Tap & Die Set

S

sureshotb

Joined
Sep 20, 2009
Messages
6
Hey, I'm wondering if anyone can suggest a good Tap & Die set for making folders. Thanks in advance.
 
I would buy the individual taps you need for this. You shouldn't need many dies. The rub is most folder threads are small. in the 2-56 to 4-40 range and will break very easily. You need to keep the tap very square to the hole and it is difficult to do by hand. You will either need to chuck the tap in your drill press or mill and turn it by hand, or get something like a tap o matic which has a clutch (best but expensive) or do as I did and get a tapping tool. I broke a lot of little taps before I got this one http://www.grizzly.com/products/Hand-Tapping-Machine/G8748
It has collets to hold different sized taps, holds things in place and square and the handle allows for a lot of feel and control.
 
ib2v4u, thanks for the great input. I'm gonna order that tapping machine. Where would you suggest buying good quality taps from? I checked Sears / Craftsmen and couldnt find any that small.
 
USA Knifemakers supply has any of the taps ,drills needed for these and all the screws you might want. They are great people to deal with. There are hand used pilot tools that fit into drill presses that will take these taps and minimize breakage. I got mine from KBC Tools but lots of places will have them. They are not expensive. Frank
 
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