Help - Machining slim rod on the lathe

[TomG]

Wong,

If you are having trouble with breaking taps now is not the time to try power tapping, especially with an M2. Like Greg, I power tap all the time, but I've been doing it for years. If you want to experiment with power tapping, an M12 would be a good place to start.

Tom

[Tony Wells]

The "unwinding" is by design, according to the factory reps I have discussed it with. That way, when you reverse the tap, they "wind back up" and actually get a little smaller, reducing the OD and of course, the PD. They stay sharp longer, and require less torque to reverse out. I've never liked them for hand tapping. Too easy to break.

[Wongster]

Roger that, Tom. I wouldn't give it a go yet. Will try to get this simple part out of the way soonest. Been busy since I return from Israel.