Tap-matic advice

[Atlas Knife Company]

Any suggestions or recommendations on one? I primarily tap 8-32 bottom on mild steel up to ¼" and through taps on 1/8". How do they work, will it work with a cheap drill press, or do I need something special? It's getting expensive to keep replacing taps.

 

[12345678910]

It's cool as heck

It works on any drill press.

It's nice if you can figure out the taper of your drill press and get it to mount with the correct arbour

They have a clutch in them, start low and keep on adjusting higher until the tap runs through.

There are different sizes.
Be sure you buy the right one.


You will want the right taps, spiral point made for machine use not hand taps.
Just going to those alone will reduce your breakage.

 

[Bob Katilus]

You probably are looking for a 30x or 30 TC-DC. The 30x is slightly easier to use, and cost less, where the TC-DC has depth control and run more $.

 

[wolffbite]

Don't know much about the TapMatics but I agree they look awesome! (Just a little outta my price range for the amount of tapping I do)

But I can agree with Count that quality taps are a MUST. I bought several expensive taps for my grinder build (1/2-13 were $20+ each ) and cringed at the bill but they cut threads like butter even in 1/2" thick mild steel. I got spiral taps from ENCO that were TiN coated and I highly recommend them :thumbup:

 

[jonnymac44]

Tapmatics are very cool@:thumbup:

I got a used 30X on the bay some time back for around $140 shipped. It needed a bit of work, but not much. I use it mostly for tapping titanium for making folders and it works like a dream.

When using a tapmatic to tap titanium I highly recommend using thread forming taps versus cutting taps and stay away from the TiNi gold coated ones. The coated taps can tend to bind up in Titanium, although they work great on steel.