[TowerTalk] Tapping or cutting copper

[Ed Swiderski, KU4BP]

I spent 23 years as a Machinist(manual and CNC) and I think what he is
talking about is what is known as a tapping block. I've seen some with holes
"body drilled" and have seen a couple with the holes already threaded so the
tap picks up the hole straight. If you have access to a Bridgeport or a
drill press, they're easy to make.

Copper is a very soft material and tricky to tap. Use soluble or lard oil to
tap. To drill copper, try soluble or mineral lard oil. You can also drill it
dry or use kerosene. The key with both drilling and tapping copper is
keeping the hole clean of chips by breaking the chip. Back the drill off a
little to break it. During tapping, back the tap off at least a half a turn
every turn.

Ed KU4BP


-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Charlie Gallo
Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2009 7:17 PM
To: Roger (K8RI)
Cc: towertalk; Its from Onion
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Tapping or cutting copper



On 8/19/2009 Roger (K8RI) wrote:


...snip...
> There is a tool holder (for small taps - 1/4" and under) with a flared 
> base that includes a tap handle for making sure the tap is 
> perpendicular to the work. I've forgotten the name. Have used them 
> many times. IIRC lard works much better than the normally used taping 
> fluids when it comes to Copper.

...snip...

There are a bunch of different tap starters out there - I use a home made
one that I made on the mill one day

One of the slickest I've seen is a small disk about 3/4" thick, with a V
groove in the bottom.  Centered in the V is a 1/2" or so hole.  It then has
a bunch of inserts to fit the smaller tap sizes.

BTW, for the lurkers - taps from #4 and down all have the same "body" size

(Metalworking is one of my hobbies - I've got a lathe and mill in the
basement, and I hope to be buying a new better lathe about 8 weeks from now
(want to get an HLVH or better a CNC toolroom lathe))

--
73 de KG2V

For the Children - RKBA!

"It is in vain, Sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace,
Peace! -- but there is no peace.
 The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the North will
bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms!
 Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? 
 What is it that Gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or
peace so sweet,  as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? 
 Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for
me, give me liberty or give me death!" 
-- Patrick Henry, March, 1775 

_______________________________________________



_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk at contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk