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Metalworking (rec.crafts.metalworking) Discuss various aspects of working with metal, such as machining, welding, metal joining, screwing, casting, hardening/tempering, blacksmithing/forging, spinning and hammer work, sheet metal work. |
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Need advice on buying a good tap & die set for small machine work
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. 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?) - 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. - 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. - 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)? Thanks in advance! -Mr. INTJ San Diego, CA |
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