Form Taps and Happy 2024!

[Dylan Smith]

Hello all! Happy 2024. 
I have some parts I'm working on, 5052 Alu @.187" 
With about 40 holes I need to drill to size and tap with 1/4-20 threads.

My dilemma, form tap or cut tap? I've always had pretty good luck with cut taps, even in aluminum IPA is a wonderful cutting fluid for some of the really small M3&M4 threads. 

As far as tools, Id be doing this on a drill press. 

I'm just wondering if its worth messing around with form taps given I have no experience. 

Thanks!

-Dylan

[John Masterson]

Not sure what @.187 means?  Will these be through holes?

Using a drill press without a tapping head(ie non reversing) is a hassle to back the taps out manually.  Also carries a risk of breaking taps in blind holes

Form taps require more torque than cut taps and may require a larger tap drill.

Have you considered a hand tapping unit?

I also have a Bosch handheld power tapping unit that I am looking to get of.  John

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Victoria Hobby Machinists" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to victoria-hobby-mac...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/victoria-hobby-machinists/8ac0384c-5cee-4268-9801-a55780cecd3dn%40googlegroups.com.