Category:Threading Tools

Screwthreads may be cut by hand using Taps and Dies or on a Centre Lathe which is fitted with a screw-cutting gearbox

A suitably shaped lathe tool, or a Router with a similar cutter, can be clamped into a Centre Lathe Toolpost or Cross Slide and an external thread cut making use of the Leadscrew gearing to advance the tool or cutter one screw thread Pitch for each revolution of the lathe. Simlarly, a Boring Tool can be shaped and used to cut internal threads.

As with many cutting operations, a cutting lubricant can be helpful when cutting a screwthread, either by hand or machine. But not all metals need an extra lubricant to be applied. The different lubricants can be summarised as follows:

• Cast Iron - this should be cut dry because, by its nature (i.e. contains in excess of 2% Carbon), the free Carbon within it acts as a cutting lubricant.
• Steel - use oil-based Cutting Fluid - ideally in paste form.
• Non-Ferrous metals - in general, White Spirit can be used.