Mr. INTJ wrote:
Howdy folks,
I a software guy groping around in E.E. and M.E. in my spare time. I
have limited access to a machine shop at work, but I want to be able
to do some things at home since I generally end up doing it at night
and on the weekends.
Good on ya. Welcome!
I've looked around at my local hardware stores and on the Internet,
but the sets that I find tend to be too large; e.g. targeted at
automobile engines (SAE?).
Here's what I think I know so far:
- I shouldn't go with a cheap set; the taps will just break (does any
manufacturer guarantee/replace their taps?)
Cheap is very bad, as you say. Good quality can be had for a few
bucks more and is well worth it.
Taps are inexpensive consumables, like abrasive paper for example.
It would be far more expensive to deal with a warranty claim than to
just purchase a replacement for both seller and buyer, so don't
expect that level of service, just enjoy reasonably priced, good
quality tools, would be my advice.
- I'm thinking that if I *either* get a standard/english/imperial *or*
metric set, I'll just end up needing the sizes I don't have, so I'm
looking to get one set with both, or two complimentary sets.
No matter what you do, I predict that you will also end up with two
or three plastic boxes with sorted and labeled wells containing the
extra taps you find at garage sales, flea markets etc.
So, why not start out with the plastic boxes to contain those taps
you *actually use* instead of a set assembled by someone who was
totally unfamiliar with your needs?
Add say three different thread pitch gauges and you will be able
to determine the size of tap to order next time you are logged into:
http://www.use-enco.com
http://www.smallparts.com
http://www.mcmaster.com
... and many many other vendors of good quality tools.
The reason I say this is that I own three different tap and die sets.
I haven't opened any of them in three years, yet I am constantly using
taps from my unofficial 'plastic boxes' assortments. It's just easier.
Each well contains several taper, plug and bottoming taps of a given size.
- The work I'm doing is generally smaller stuff - the kind of thing
you'd find in small electronic and electromechanical appliances. I
think this means I should be looking for a set with 2-56 to 1/4-inch
UNC threads.
- Then there's the question of coarse threads vs. fine. Seems like if
I had to choose, coarse would be the way to go, but as with std vs.
metric (above), I worry about constantly needing the one that I don't
have.
Don't PANIC! McMaster ships very quickly. Sometimes overnight
(often faster).
You'll find that circumstances and your thread pitch gauges will
determine which pitch is appropriate, as you will spend much time
matching the size of existing fasteners.
- The materials I use are primarily aluminum, various plastics, and
occasionally steel or brass.
Can anyone recommend a good choice in tap and die set(s), and an
online vendor (or a B&M store in San Diego)?
Save your gas, would be my suggestion. Consider how efficiently
you can work if you let the rapid delivery folks do the driving.
You have many internet vendors anxious to sell you one tap or a
thousand taps of just about any size and pitch with delivery
charges that are quite reasonable. You can search for your
unintialized variable while the guy in the truck brings you
your tools.
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I attended a machining course at my local Junior College a few
years back with a pal of mine and enjoyed the heck out of it.
The price was nearly nothing and classes were held on a schedule
that was compatible with work. We each made a tap handle,
drill sharpening gauge and we ground a 3/8" lathe toolbit.
We used calipers, micrometers, various other hand tools, grinders,
drill presses, vertical mills and some very nice lathes.
Did I mention it was inexpensive and a lot of fun?
I'm just sayin....
--Winston