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Tapping operations using the reverse feature
1.
Drill the initial hole on the drill press for accuracy of diameter. If the diameter
is 1/2 inch or larger, drill a pilot hole about half that diameter first.
2.
Make sure the hole has a large enough chamfer. If the chamfer is too small
the tap will work a little hard when starting the tapping operation.
3.
Select the tap type. Choose from a taper tap (recommended), plug tap or
bottoming tap. The taper tap has several chamfer threads forming a tapered
cone on the inserting end. The plug tap has fewer chamfer threads and a
bottoming tap only has a couple chamfer threads.
4.
Match the tap size. Use the specified tap size to thread the hole diameter.
Taps that are sold with drill bits are size matched for you. The taps
themselves may show the hole size they're intended for, but it's likely to be
given in metric notation. Use a conversion chart to match this with the inch
fractions measuring drill bits.
5.
Cut the threads. Lubricate the tap with tapping fluid. Start the drill press and
lower the tap gently into the hole to be threaded. It only takes a few seconds
to tap a hole. When the tap gets to the desired depth reverse the direction of
the spindle and the tap will work its way out. As long as it has been set up
properly, the chances are good for success.
Tips for tapping
Tapping is a skill. It takes practice to do it well and to not break taps. If you're
new to tapping, practice on sample stock before tapping into your actual
project
Materials have differing requirements for drill speed and lubrication. Hole
depths and diameters may present additional drilling requirements. Refer to
material charts for drilling specifications.
6
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