I just have to throw in a cautionary note. Please take it in the context that I am a machinist and hold my tools to a certain standard and it is a bit of a pretense. I tap hundreds of holes a month, though all fractional.
Anyways, one of the things I have learned is not to skimp on taps. If you break a tap in a hole, it can be a nightmare to get out- yes, I know
about tap extractors but even more with their limitations (I like spiral
taps), especially with some of the small holes you will have to deal with . The one thing about the harbor freight taps is that they are hardened and very brittle (I consider them useless) and will probably not jam in the hole in chasing threads in steel, but rather crumble into bits. In the softer aluminum however, binding can be a lot worst and far more difficult to deal. lubricate well in either case, (again) one of the best is animal fat (this is not easy for me, I am a vegetarian and get this stuff donated...)
Also, learn about the differences between bottoming/plug, coated, carbide/hss, etc., all have different suitabilities.
This is only my 2 cents worth...gabriel
Tom Sanders wrote:
> Jim Betmanis earlier in the day wrote "You can be sure that there will
> always be some tap you find you need and
>
> don't have and you'll spend a lot of money buying them piecemeal. For
>
> $17
>
> you can buy a 60 piece SAE/Metric tap and die set from Harbor Freight
>
> <http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45
766>
> http://www.harborfreight.com/
>
> which includes the handles and thread gauges. These are not toolmaker
>
> grade,
>
> but for the most part you'd only be using them to chase painted or
>
> damaged threads.
>
> I just ordered one, the shipping was very reasonable and I'll let anyo
ne
> know who's interested what I think the overall quality level is after I
get
> it.
>
> Tom Sanders
--
gabriel l romeu
in the heart of rainy new jersey, usa
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