Tailstock Tap & Die Holder

[starlight_tools]

I have had a tailstock tap and die holder on my project list for a long time. I was modeling after the Neil Butterfield system, which was traditionally a MT1 or MT2 set up. I noticed that he had now started supplying a MT3 set up so I bit the bullet and ordered one. While I was at it, I ordered the Soba set from Chonos in UK to compare them.

Ordered this Soba tailstock die holder from Chronos in the UK. Paid about $65.00 for it after the dust settled. It arrived in about a week.


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Ordered a similar setup from Neil Butterfield on the same day. This set up was about $267.00 after the dust settled.

   

  LatheTailstockTapDieHolder.pdf (Size: 822.58 KB / Downloads: 16)

Here are my observations

The Soba Set, most of the die holders were undersized, IE the 1" holder was 0.995" and so dies would not slide into it. also any set screw holes had flashing and burrs on the inside. After regrinding them they worked fine. All die holders were drilled and tapped and three set screws were supplied with each. Came with 6 holders 5/8, 3/4, 13/16, 1, 30 mm (not the 1-5/16 as stated) and 1-1/2. Did not include a way to hold taps.

The bore of the 1-1/2" holder was 16 mm and the MT3 shaft was not bored out so only short lengths of thread could be handled.

All parts were black finished.

The set from Neil, was well made, no burrs and the dies slid into the holders like hands into a glove. Downside was that holders were drilled and tapped for two set screws 180 deg apart. I knew this when I ordered the set and added the two extra set screws at 90 deg 45 each side of one of the screws for adjustable dies.

The big plus with this system is that it comes with two die holders that hold from #0 to 1/2" taps. and that the MT tailstock arbour is drilled out so long threads can be made.

The tommy bar is twice as long and much heavier steel than the Soba set.

Also I had Neil make the 1-1/2" holder longer so that it would thread at least 2" long 3/4" thread which is standard for a 3/4" bolt. (not shown in picture)

Finish on this set was bright steel. Knurling was light on the hand grip with no sharp edges. Soba set was not knurled at all.

All in all, both are very servicable fixtures, but my nod goes to Neil's set.

Walter

[EdK]

Walter,

I'm assuming instead of "The big plus with this system is that it comes with two die holders that hold from #0 to 1/2" taps." you actually meant "The big plus with this system is that it comes with two tap holders that hold from #0 to 1/2" taps."

By the way, nice review.

I've got one of those tailstock die holders on my project list.

Ed

[starlight_tools]

(10-17-2013, 05:27 AM)EdK Wrote: Walter,

I'm assuming instead of "The big plus with this system is that it comes with two die holders that hold from #0 to 1/2" taps." you actually meant "The big plus with this system is that it comes with two tap holders that hold from #0 to 1/2" taps."

By the way, nice review.

I've got one of those tailstock die holders on my project list.

Ed

Yup that is what I meant to say. LOL

I know that as machinsts we are supposed to make all our own stuff, LOL. Sometimes it is easier not to try to re-invent the wheel when somebody like Neil is out there making the same thing and has already worked out the kinks in the systems for you.

The other tap holder that I have that should have been in the review was the
Machine Hand-Tap guide purchased from KBC Tools. Price about $25.00

see http://www.kbctools.com page 133 bottom centre.

This holder has a 3/8" diameter steel guide shaft which is free to rotate in the handle, but captive, so it will chuck up in a drill chuck. The body is knurled aluminium. The tap holding jaws are adequate, but not as nice as the set that Neil uses for his tap holders.

This holder is handy for use in the drill press/mill and for quick small tapping jobs on the lathe when you do not want to change the drill chuck that is in the tailstock.

Walter

[DaveH]

Walter,
(Before Andrew gets in)
You're right that Soba one is absolute rubbish, please send it to me I will dispose of it properly

DaveH

[starlight_tools]

(10-17-2013, 09:59 AM)DaveH Wrote: Walter,
(Before Andrew gets in)
You're right that Soba one is absolute rubbish, please send it to me I will dispose of it properly

DaveH

LOL

Like most C.C.C. it was a kit. Once it was gone over, deburred, bores reground to proper size and when the MT3 spindle gets drilled out, it will be a useable piece of my kit. This way, if I have one set up for an operation, I can have the other set up for a different one.

So sorry not going to rubbish bin it quite yet.

Walter

[DaveH]

DaveH