SpudFiles

Hello all! It's been a long long time since I posted here or did much spudding-related. I'm now in college, and have access to a pretty well-equipped machine shop. Mostly I see myself using the end mill (+/- 0.001" in x and y, +/- 0.005 in z) or lathe (+/-0.0005").

Of course, this means I'll be picking up work on what I still have indicated as my current project in my sig. I'm now considering making a new valve body or cross fitting from scratch, but I'm a little unsure (a question for you machinist types out there) exactly how to turn female pipe thread. I could of course just make my own tool, but I'd be more comfortable if it can be done using fairly standard lathe tools.

Lathe....Internal thread bar.
Mill.....Thread mill.
Last resort....Pipe tap.

Internal thread bar. Thanks!

I don't think I'll be using a pipe tap, I sorta doubt the shop has pipe taps.

A lathe can be difficult to use to thread pipe threads due to the taper so parts tighten as they come together to seal. Machine threads is commonly done on a lathe. My advise, use the correct tool, a pipe tap.
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/npt-n ... d_750.html

What does the "Tap Drill" column in that chart indicate?
I love that site btw

saefroch wrote:What does the "Tap Drill" column in that chart indicate?
I love that site btw

The size of the hole you have to make before tapping the thread.

Ohhhh thanks.

Message too short.

Technician1002 wrote:Machine threads is commonly done on a lathe.

If he has access to a CNC lathe, pipe thread is extremely easy.

It's not a CNC lathe, oh how I wish it were.

I'm going to stop by the shop tomorrow (today, actually it's past midnight) and try to consult with the resident machinist.