Tool life 1/4-20 form tap in 6061?

gundog · Nov 28, 2019

I have tapped thousands of holes with a 1/4" - 20 form tap in 6061 and it seems to be still tapping fine how often do you change them out. The holes seem to be fine but I am thinking I should change it just because it has tapped so many holes. Flood coolant in Sharp VMC.

Happy Thanksgiving.

mbraddock · Nov 28, 2019

I would keep using it until your no-go gage says otherwise. Even then, it should be a simple matter to remove the built-up aluminum from the tap and put it back into service for another 10k holes ...

Removing aluminum from end mill

13engines · Nov 28, 2019

gundog said:
I have tapped thousands of holes with a 1/4" - 20 form tap in 6061 and it seems to be still tapping fine how often do you change them out. The holes seem to be fine but I am thinking I should change it just because it has tapped so many holes. Flood coolant in Sharp VMC.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Funny... I've thought the same thing with the same tool. I decided to just keep using it. But like mbraddock said, if it won't gage right, then you'll know you've finally got toast.

Dave

gustafson · Nov 28, 2019

Check your minor diameter in addition to gage
It will last forever but first thing to go is the minor won’t roll down to size

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Tool life 1/4-20 form tap in 6061?

gundog

Hot Rolled

mbraddock

Hot Rolled

13engines

Stainless

gustafson

Diamond

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