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Paul Made a Thing

I made a thing today.....:p

TapFollower.JPG


Based on the info @Dusty posted.....

canadianhobbymetalworkers.com

Suggestions on a MT3 taper tailstock threading die holder?

Way to go Bill!!! Happy to hear you are back in action!!
canadianhobbymetalworkers.com canadianhobbymetalworkers.com
 
plalonde said:
That shoulder will make it easier to set up. I'll try that on my next one.
Click to expand...

One of the ones I bought a while back has that flat shoulder on it. I posted a photo earlier. I'll be honest and say that I prefer to let the follower spin if it wants to and I don't really like the idea of a grub screw riding back and forth on the flat either, and therefore I prefer a threaded cap.
 
plalonde said:
That shoulder will make it easier to set up. I'll try that on my next one.
Click to expand...

Another alternative would be to cut a groove instead of a flat and then put a nose on the grub screw to follow the groove.

Nice job for those lucky sods among us who have a shaper....... ;)
 
My commercially made tap guide left lots to be desired... very loose fiting plunger rod and would not work with my smallest taps as it had no center on those little taps that only had a male centre.

So here is what I made a while back.
I think V2 would be smaller but similar design.
20220415_094826.jpg
20220415_094721.jpg
20220415_094710.jpg
 
DPittman said:
My commercially made tap guide left lots to be desired... very loose fiting plunger rod and would not work with my smallest taps as it had no center on those little taps that only had a male centre.

So here is what I made a while back.
I think V2 would be smaller but similar design.
Click to expand...
I like the plug screw instead of a cap! What does the knurled section do for you? I mean, I'm all in favour of racing stripes...
 
I think the knurling is cool. My commercial one has the knurling too. But the fit is horrible. It wobbles around way too much. As I said earlier, it has a point on one end and a recess on the other. I'd like to make a copy but improve it with a better fit, longer stroke and adjustable compression. I'd also make several different sizes.

If you look at the one with the milled flat, you can see the damage the grub screw does - it has NEVER been tightened. But that's what happens when it slides against a loose retainer.
20220415_140657.jpg
 
Dusty said:
How will you harden the pointy end?
Click to expand...

This is another good point! Mine is not hardened and has already worn a bit.

Not sure it really matters though. It's easy to recut the two ends.

Saying that makes me realize my first order of business ought to be to make a replacement follower for the existing body that isn't so sloppy.

About the knurl - it's nice to hold onto the body of the follower while you put it into the chuck or whatever you plan to use it in. Much better than holding oily polished steel.
 
Susquatch said:
I think the knurling is cool. My commercial one has the knurling too. But the fit is horrible. It wobbles around way too much. As I said earlier, it has a point on one end and a recess on the other. I'd like to make a copy but improve it with a better fit, longer stroke and adjustable compression. I'd also make several different sizes.

If you look at the one with the milled flat, you can see the damage the grub screw does - it has NEVER been tightened. But that's what happens when it slides against a loose retainer.
View attachment 23078
Click to expand...

@Susquatch, that's odd grub screw damage really shouldn't gouge up the milled flat after the part has been hardened?

I have a similar mini tap guide manufactured by Fisher in Hawthorne, California, used it over a number of years mostly with smaller taps and it's a tight smooth fit, spot on every time.

KBC Tools & Machinery carry them part number 1-811-130 for $26.85, Just saying!
 
Dusty said:
Hey Craig well done, what size spring did you use or is it which one will you settle with? Did you enjoy doing the project? How will you harden the pointy end?

Dusty's not just another pretty face you know. LOL
Click to expand...

Was a simple/fun project. Involved some turning, boring, milling, drilling, tapping.

I haven't hardened the point but I suppose I could try using a map gas torch.

As for the spring....

Springs.JPG


PA sells an assortment spring kit. I just used something that fit the follower body.

Craig
 
Craig said, 'PA sells an assortment spring kit. I just used something that fit the follower body.'

Thanks Craig, need to check them out next time I'm in their store (Regna).
 
Dusty said:
that's odd grub screw damage really shouldn't gouge up the milled flat after the part has been hardened?
Click to expand...

Hardened? Did I say it was hardened? Mine is just a cheap Amazon follower. I seriously doubt it is hardened.

I like the idea of milling or broaching a groove in it with a nose on the grub screw to fit the groove.
 
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