wrote in message
...
I've got blisters on my hands from taping 20 holes manually and I have
hundreds left to go!
What machine or tools do I need to tap 5/16th-18 holes in aluminum? I
am using T slotted 1.5" square tubular aluminum for a lot of projects,
ranging from a workshed to a photobooth to a workbench and having to
manually tap the ends of this metal is going to kill me! I'm
specifically using http://www.8020.net/T-Slot-1.asp this stuff. I
bought two specialty taps that are a combination drill/tap bit from
www.mcmaster.com part # 2748A43 At $20 each they are pricy and I've
already busted them both after only about 6 holes each with a hand
drill.

Any help please?

Several years back I scrounged a Procunier #2 tapping head off of ebay.
It fits into the Morse 2 socket on my drill press and will do what you want
all day long.

When you pull down the lever on the drillpress, it drives the tap forward at
a one speed. When you lift up on the lever, it reverses and unscrews the tap
at a faster speed.

It is a joy to use and I set it up any time I need to tap more than three
holes.

If you scrounge one used, make sure you get as many collets as you can.
Definitely make sure it comes with the 5/16.
Use spiral point taps and kerosene or wd40 for a lube.

Paul K. Dickman