Paul Gilbert wrote:
in the winter 2007 Woodturning Design there is an article on turning Xmax
ornaments. This guy made what was essentially a face plate by tapping a
thread in a wood circle.

Now I can think of a myriad of useful reasons to make wooden face plates.
However my Powermatic 3520B has a 1.25 x 8tpi head stock. Granger wanted
about $160 for that tap, which seems absurd.

Anyone used MDF to make face plates? Where can I get a 1.25" x 8 tpi tap
for less than the national debt?

Try McMaster Carr at mcmaster.com. Look at part # 2597A12. Less than
$60