Phillip H Smith
07-23-2007, 8:16 AM
Sorry...got carried away with the title there....(Anyone remember the movie from 1984?)
Seriously though, every so often a tool comes along that pays for itself the first time it's used. Here's an example.
The Beall Spindle Tap (from Woodcraft for about $18) was used to make a custom-size screw chuck that would have cost around $20-30 otherwise.
The tap is easy to use. Comes with brief instructions on the packaging. A detailed review and video of its use can be found at NewWoodWorker.com I have no affiliation.
I think this tool will become a "much used" item for making glue block chucks and other useful way of attaching wood to the lathe. I tapped two 2.5" blocks (one shown at right), then I turned one down to around 2" and inserted a #14 screw (with epoxy to keep it from backing out). The square one will probably end its life as a waste glue block.
Seriously though, every so often a tool comes along that pays for itself the first time it's used. Here's an example.
The Beall Spindle Tap (from Woodcraft for about $18) was used to make a custom-size screw chuck that would have cost around $20-30 otherwise.
The tap is easy to use. Comes with brief instructions on the packaging. A detailed review and video of its use can be found at NewWoodWorker.com I have no affiliation.
I think this tool will become a "much used" item for making glue block chucks and other useful way of attaching wood to the lathe. I tapped two 2.5" blocks (one shown at right), then I turned one down to around 2" and inserted a #14 screw (with epoxy to keep it from backing out). The square one will probably end its life as a waste glue block.