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Tapping with a Erlo TCA 50 column drill

Schjell

Aluminum
Joined
Jan 16, 2020
Hi,
Planning to use my drill press to tap in stainless 316 (1/2" BSP).
Bought machine second hand, can't find a user manual online.
It's got a switch that indicates that it can be used for power tapping.
What's the general way forward, low speed and manual feed or use set feed and end stops?
All tips would be most appreciated. The machine has got some weight and power in it, so not keen on just "trying stuff". The way I see it, this machine has the most potential to harm us,
 
See if you can arrange a friction clutch between the spindle and tap. That way you should be prepared for seize-up. Oil well and go slow.
Don't use automatic feed until you have seen how it goes manually.
fusker
 
Power feed would have to match the pitch of the thread.
Pretty unlikely to have positive tap feed, unless you see some change gears or
like a procunier lead screw tapper, changeable leadscrews.

I suspect the "tapping" part, is to automatically put the spindle into reverse when it
hit the adjustable down stop.
 
Thanks Doug, that is prob what that switch does now that you mention it!
I agree that it's unlikely to have the exact feedrates I need for tapping, but that switch made me wonder.
 
See if you can arrange a friction clutch between the spindle and tap. That way you should be prepared for seize-up. Oil well and go slow.
Don't use automatic feed until you have seen how it goes manually.
fusker

Thanks for tip, will find some time one day and make something.
As it happens I selected the wrong feeds and speed today and got to try some friction welding��
 








 
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