I have a project where I need some 10-32 holes threaded. Some are in 6061 and some are in 304 Stainless (I think thats what it is, the spec of the part might change still sorting everything out). So with my older machine I have 2 options. The first would be to thread mill it. I can get a single point thread mill from a local vendor that has it on the shelf. I realize that this might take longer to do the operation, but the tool is more versatile in that I can cut other pitches with it as well. I could get a tool like this which would be dedicated to the 32tpi, but could probably speed things up a bit. The other option would be to use a tension/compression tap holder with a nice tap in it (which I have one being loaned to me but I would have to buy a #10 collet for it). The concern I have is that the machine takes a little bit to spin down and you have to go in, stop, then reverse it out all at a lower RPM. I don't want to cause issue with the motor, drive or braking resistors as I really don't have the cash to fix the machine if something goes wrong.
I am leaning towards thread milling as it seems to be the quickest way to do it. I am just not sure about running the single point tool or the multi-point tool. Unfortunately my machine can't do rigid tapping. I have never threaded on a mill before so I am treading in new waters here.
Material wise, the holes in the Aluminum are going to be through holes about 0.200" deep. The holes in the stainless will be 0.120" to 0.190" deep and will also be through holes.
I am leaning towards thread milling as it seems to be the quickest way to do it. I am just not sure about running the single point tool or the multi-point tool. Unfortunately my machine can't do rigid tapping. I have never threaded on a mill before so I am treading in new waters here.
Material wise, the holes in the Aluminum are going to be through holes about 0.200" deep. The holes in the stainless will be 0.120" to 0.190" deep and will also be through holes.