[AR] Re: Tapping holes in SS 316

  • From: "Monroe L. King Jr." <monroe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: arocket@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Thu, 06 Aug 2015 01:24:29 -0700

Looks good!

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [AR] Re: Tapping holes in SS 316
From: Robert Watzlavick <rocket@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, August 05, 2015 7:43 pm
To: "arocket@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <arocket@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>


Well it all turned out OK. By drilling for 50% threads, using sharp HSS
taps, and some Tap Magic, it was like cutting aluminum, maybe even
easier since it didn't tend to gum up.

Here's the finished product - a Swaglok plug valve with an AX-12A servo
that will be the high-pressure helium valve for my rocket:

http://www.watzlavick.com/robert/rocket/rocket1/photos/dsc_1174m.jpg

Thanks again for all the suggestions.

-Bob

On 08/04/2015 06:47 PM, Robert Watzlavick wrote:
I need to tap some #4-40 holes in an SS 316 valve body (Swagelok
SS-4P4T) for a bracket. I'd really like to avoid breaking the tap so
any tips? I usually use SS 304 and aluminum so I haven't worked much
with the harder stainless steels. The tap is HSS and I was just going
to use Tap Magic for the cutting fluid. If I have to, I can drill all
the way through the body and put a nut on the other side but I'd
rather use a threaded hole.

-Bob




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