On Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:28:45 -0700, TwoGuns wrote:

I have a project that requires putting threads on several one inch Oak
Dowels. They will then be threaded into either Oak, Maple , Walnut or
Aspen in one inch deep bottom tapped holes. My tap & die kit is from HF
and has seen a lot of use. Are there any special tricks to stop tearing
etc and keeping a crisp thread?

TIA
Dennis

I recall, or at least I have a memory of, something about you shouldn't
use metal cutting Tap and Die for larger diameter wood. Wooden Threads
should be something like 6 or 8 threads per inch at your diameter, the
depth of the threads is deeper for wood, and the slope of the threads for
wood is not the same as for metal like iron.

Oak, IMHO, would be an incorrect choice due to brittle grain structure
when fully kiln dried. Hickory would be a wiser choice.

But like metal threading, I still think it is a 1/2 turn cut, then back
off 1/4 turn to clear out waste. Both uses a lubrication, I think wood
would use a paste wax.

I did a Google, and Amazon.com is selling a wooden tap and die set from a
tool vendor. Garrett-Wade may carry a tap and die set for Wooden dowels.

Should be other vendors.