For many projects, you may need to cut threads into wood material. The necessary tap can be expensive, and you will also have to look for a store that sells it. For home use, the tool can be made from a bolt. It will take 5 minutes to make, and the result will amaze you.
Tools and materials
Tools:
- Angle grinder.
- Sharpening machine.
- Drill.
Materials:
- Bolt or screw with thread of the required size.
Shaping the tap
If you are using a bolt, you will need to cut off the hex head. Next, we form a small lead-in part using a sharpening machine. To do this, it can be rotated manually or secured in a drill - this way the stitching will take place more symmetrically. It will be more convenient to use such a tap.
Attach the tap and make flutes
Secure the tap using clamps or a vice. Then machine 3 or 4 flutes. They will help separate the wood chips while cutting threads.
Cleaning threads
This can be done using a nut, screwing it along the entire length of the tap.This will clear it of any spikes caused by turning the flutes.
Secure the tap in the chuck and, while the drill is running, make sure that it rotates smoothly along the axis. I did not notice any unevenness left on the chuck from the threads. But if you want to avoid possible damage, grind off the threads at the clamping point.
Tapping a hole
Drill a hole for the thread. Its diameter should be equal to the smaller diameter of the tap. When cutting threads, the tap must be turned slowly. After each revolution, you need to turn it in the opposite direction so that the chips fall off. These threads will not be as strong as a bushing or tie rod, but for some applications they will be quite adequate.
Useful video on the topic
Original article in English
