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tailstock die holder

M

Mike R

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
Looking for recommendations. Any recommendations or strong opinions on ones to get / stay away from?
I need it for imperial dies mostly, but trying to build steam locomotives that were started by others I'm using some British stuff (BA) and also metric (need to check what diameters they are). I guess once I have a basic system I'll be more inclined to make adapters / parts for it but I'll start with an imperial version.

I see a few types using Amazon as my reference.. (low bar there...):
types without handles and use a screw as the key to prevent rotation. I assume this type is meant to be "hands free" - i.e. get it started with tailstock pressure and let the threading do the feeding..
And those with a smooth shank (no keyway) and a handle to prevent rotation. Presumably NOT under power feed?

Thoughts? I have an MT3 tailstock...

Here are links to the 2 examples
Screw as key type die holder
Handle type die holder with tap holder heads
 
Honestly, if it were me I would study several types and styles, figure out what makes me smile about each design and make my own. Pretty sure the boys here that have made their own will offer some advice on what they like or don't about what they have. Whenever possible I like to make my own tools, not so much for the money saved as much as for the experience gained.


Edit..... I gotta learn to use less words. @combustable herbage beat me to it, and he even offered up a link and all I had were words. I really need to up my game. :p
 
+1 on making your own. I made my tap, die (13/16") and chuck holders to fit the MT3 in my tailstock. The MT3 mount has a .500 shaft and the holders slide on the shaft. This works well with smaller (.250 and under) so if your doing bigger stuff you may want to try something a bit heftier.

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Here are some ideas @Mike R.


C

Thread 'Suggestions on a MT3 taper tailstock threading die holder?'

Looking to pickup a threading die tailstock holder in MT3 taper.

Like this: https://www.amazon.ca/Tailstock-Flo...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Amazon has tons of options, but Im wondering if a member has any direct...

CalgaryPT

Thread 'Anyone Use a Floating Tailstock Die Holder?'

I have a unique issue with my BusyBee CT089 lathe. I'm not much of a machinist and normally only use the machine to make bushings, pins and do a lot of facing. But recently I've been doing a lot of manual threading of rods in a vise with a manual die holder. I've never even used the change gears on my lathe because I can't access them due to lack of space in my shop. I don't have room to open the door to the change gears as the machine butts right up to my electronics bench. There are no options for rearranging my shop; I exercised all those years ago.

Anyways, as I get older my hands...

thriller007

Thread 'Little bit of shop time'

Finally had a little shop time. Needed a few things made and first was a soft hammer for tapping things into mill vice. It’s Hammer time!
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  • Like

That's just three I found with a quick forum search. There are lots of others. Seems like it's a common need.

If you need more ideas, I could take photos of mine, but I confess I rarely use it. Outside threading is just SOOOOO easy. I love single point threading.
 
My favourite:

Morse 354B die holder. Fits 1" and 1-1/2" dies, lots of meat so the locking setscrews don't strip, 1/2" square socket so you can drive it with a ratchet, 1/2" square to 1/4" hex adapter to hold in your tailstock drill chuck (or cut down a cheap 1/2" extension), removable handles. Mine is at least 50 years old, I got it from a machinist that retired in 2005 (when he was in his 80s). Mine is missing the original 1/2" square tap holders.

Currently available off eBay for peanuts.

www.ebay.ca

TWO !! Morse Tap & Die Wrenches # 354B Made In USA | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for TWO !! Morse Tap & Die Wrenches # 354B Made In USA at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.ca

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yeah, I know I should make my own, but was overcome with laziness and just wanted to make the actual part I was trying to make as opposed to the continual side projects of making a tool to make the part. Also was interested on feedback on handle versus no handle. Does not seem like many are using the keyed / no handle type.
Single point threading - could do but again - this is a small thing (5-40 thread ~ 1/8" diameter) and figured a threading die would knock out the 4 ends I need in short order (~3/8" of thread required).
I actually tried at first holding the die in a collet in the chuck, and holding the little 4" rod in a drill chuck in the tailstock, but the extra length poking out lead to issues with the threaded end developing a kink right where the thread starts. I need it to stay straight. I'll probably
1: single point thread what I need (x4) but to make it a real meal of a challenge I'll try and do it on the Emco Compact 5 CNC that I haven't used in a year and is covered in junk, and
2: then make a die holder as a distraction from the next job I should be doing.
 
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