Very early Tap and Die set

rivett608 · Aug 9, 2020

While digging through my taps looking for one to use on that nut for my 1770s lathe I dug this set out. I hadn’t opened it in years. As you see it is filled with odd size hand made taps. The one drawer box is crudely made but yet has places carved out for each piece. It is about 15” square.

I might put it on the sale pile since it isn’t quite my thing anymore and it takes up a bunch of space.

I guess maybe this is 1840-60s, what do you think?

Joe in NH · Aug 9, 2020

It might even be up into the 1880s as blacksmiths, particularly, tended to stay with the proven.

We've talked about the taper taps before. These were available regularly up into the late 1890s thinking of a Strelinger Book of Small Tools reprint of my possession.

Previous discussion at https://www.practicalmachinist.com/...d-pipe-taps-these-377033/?highlight=taper+tap

I have a time concurrent early die-stock (takes the loose square dies) from Holroyd & Co. Waterford, NY. 1/2-12 die - which was common until the 1880s.

Joe in NH

Hit Miss Engine · Aug 9, 2020

Rivett , I may be interested in your tap/die set if you decide to sell...

rivett608 · Aug 9, 2020

I have a few sets of factory made blacksmith taps, I think these are earlier than the factory made ones. Only a guess. The sad thing is for some reason the dies are not there. The two that are do not match. The die stock is 18" long, looks shop made and has a nice "U" shaped dovetail slide to hold the dies in place.

Here are some more pictures.

rivett608 · Aug 9, 2020

more photos

rivett608 · Aug 10, 2020

Hit Miss Engine, pm sent.

Leg17 · Aug 12, 2020

Wonder if these were more machinery oriented rather than typical blacksmith. Lots of finer threads than the usual blacksmith assortment. Just wondering.

rivett608 · Sep 15, 2020

Any interest in this set at a $100 plus shipping? I need to thin some stuff out.

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Very early Tap and Die set

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Leg17

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