On Saturday, 4 July 2020 13:32:03 UTC+1, Roger Hayter wrote:
polygonum_on_google wrote:

I am thinking about making some things for my workshop. In among them, I
shall need some fairly stiff metal - probably tube.

Trouble is, cost of P&P makes online prices quite high. I can get suitable
tube locally at a reasonable price and avoid P&P but, so far, have not
found anyone to supply threaded both ends tube.

I've never threaded 3/4" galvanised so have little appreciation of how
tough it is. Nor have I found a pair of die and die stock that obviously
go together!

Yes, I have seen sets of tools (e.g. 1/2",3/4", 1" and 1 1/4") but they
are far more in terms both of bits and cost than I need.

Is it easy or hard?

No personal experience, but I've seen the council do 2" railings, and it
involves a somewhat large and wide tripod and a consideral effort on a
3' lever (metric versions are available), so I don't think it will work
very well without hiring dedicated kit.

I think holding the pipe won't be too bad - I have garage space and a workbench with vices. But turning (and doing the whole thing reasonably accurately) concerned me. Thanks.