Tapping Holes in White Metal

DWP

New Member
I am working on a 20 ton shay with keystone parts.
I need to tap some 0-90 threads if I can see that small.
Any ideas on what to use to keep the tap from clogging up?
If not, any ideas on attachind the tender to the frame so I can remove it later.
Thanks
Dave
 

Glen Haasdyk

Active Member
White metal is very soft but it should tap fairly easily. The idea is to turn the tap 1/2 turn in, then turn 1/4 out. This will break-off the metal shavings that tend to clog up the tap. winding the tap in all the way without 'back-turning' it is a sure way to break a tap.
 

Dick Rasmussen

New Member
Glen Haasdyk said:
White metal is very soft but it should tap fairly easily. The idea is to turn the tap 1/2 turn in, then turn 1/4 out. This will break-off the metal shavings that tend to clog up the tap. winding the tap in all the way without 'back-turning' it is a sure way to break a tap.
I agree with Glenn, and you might want to use a thin lubricant( kerosene& oil I.E.) with a quality tap. Good luck. Dick R.
 

N Gauger

1:20.3 Train Addict
I've actually done this :) :) Not that small though.

The basic rules are what has already been stated:

1/2 turn in (Slow) 1/4 turn out - then when the teeth grab again, "repeat"

Also - Use 3-in-1 oil or any other "light oil" and use a bunch!!! Don't spare it!! If the oil drips out when you pull (turn out) 1/4 - then it's fine!!! After every 4 turns (One Complete revoultion) take the tap out & drip a drop or 2 of oil down the hole and clean off any "Shavings" from the tap. Do this "Every complete revolution"!!

Last thing: All "good Quality" taps have the size of the tap on it as well as a drill size. Get a new, sharp, drill in this size & use it slowly as above, same thing as above - Oil Oil Oil!!!

If you take your time & use the right, new, sharp tools, this should be easy!!!!

Best of luck!!!!
 

jim currie

Active Member
in using taps that small in soft metal is hard it tends to clog tap i use ith 1/8 turn and back a1/4 and remove tap fron hole every 1/2 turn and blow chips out of hole i use wd40 in spray can for lub.
 

sumpter250

multiscale modelbuilder
I've heard that applying bees wax to the tap will help the soft metal flakes to fall off the tap. Not as messy as oil.
Pete
 

DWP

New Member
Thanks for the help.
Al at B & F Hobbies suggested to make a new
main frame out of brass. The frame that came with the kit is white metal. After cutting a hole for the gear box there is not a lot of metal left for support. So fo now I am in the process of cutting a new brass base.
DP.
 
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