Tapmatic 30X

Before I got my tapping head I was looking at the 30X. Then I got one of the Enco sale catalogs that advertised a Taco brand, HR-1 tapping head, which it turned out is almost identical to the Tapmatic. The thing that made up my mind to go with the Taco was not only the price difference, but more so the collets. The tapmatic didn't come with any collets, and those were an additional $45 each. The Taco tapping head came with 3 collets, and I found out later that the tapmatic 30X and Taco HR-1 collets are interchangable.

I've had the tapping head mounted on its own 10" Ryobi drill press for several years now, and to date its tapped literally thousands of holes. Probably the biggest thing I've learned about tapping heads is that it takes a bit of "tinkering" to get the clutch set correctly, but once you get it there, you will wear taps out instead of breaking them. The biggest advantage for me was being able to use thread forming taps with the tapping head.....versus having to use cutting taps when hand tapping. (I suppose a person could use forming taps by hand, but for me it was frustrating, breaking them all the time)

Obviously Tapmatic is the "standard" of tapping heads, but I've been very pleased with the Taco. Either way, if you're making folders, a tapping head is the way to go.
 
Thanks ED,I am hooked on folders and although I've considered myself good at hand tapping I broke 2 2-56 tap on 1 folder yesterday , so the need for a tapping head.
 
I totally agree with you. Before the tapping head, I would always break 2-3 taps per folder, and not only is it expensive, its also the pain of getting that broken tap out. Other folks told me that I would wear out, instead of breaking taps when I got a tapping head, and I just couldn't wrap my head around that....but they were right. Since getting the clutch set correctly on the tapping head, I've only gone through 7, 2-56 taps.....and all of those were because I wore out the taps. I just checked, and it was 6 years ago that I bought the tapping head... beats the heck outta 2-3 taps per folder. :)

Heres a link to the page in the Enco catalog that shows the one I got....its the first one under the "Enco" brand at the top. If you're planning on having a dedicated tapping setup, make sure you match up the spindle taper to whatever machine you're going to mount it. If I remember correctly, I think the 33JT was the most common found on the smaller drill presses. http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=484&PARTPG=INLMK32
 
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Hello Fred. Sorry I can't send you a link. You may want to look at the self reversing tapping head being sold by accusizetools.ca in Canada. I have had their #0-1/4 model for about a year. It is working excellent for me. I saw these listed in the USA and GB going back some time I believe the current price is still $218. With the current exchange on the Canadian dollar this would bring the price down to $180 or so in USA funds. The company is a reputable one.
Frank
 
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Thanks for your post Ed - I had looked at those tapmatic, but the cost of the collets kept me away - I could pay $150 for a used tapmatic, but the idea of having to buy a couple of collets at $50 to $70 each kept me away. I see the Enco comes with 2 rubber collets, I expect that is J116 & J117 as those two sizes covers from 3/32" (.094") to .177". My question - is that small enough to hold a 2-56 tap? Those are tiny little things. OR - is it the shank that is held by auto-tap is larger so it will hold ok?

Ken H>
 
I'm not really sure how to answer that Ken..... I put the smallest collet that came with mine in, and it handles 1-72 to 6-32 taps, I almsot always have a 2-56 tap in mine..... a few years ago, when I realized I was wasting a bunch of money buying 1-72 through 4-40 tooling (bits, reamers, taps, etc) I standardized my folders to 2-56 screws.....that way I only have to buy/replenish a single size of tooling.
 
Thanks Frank , I have sent a request for info and pricing when I receive the info I will post it so the boys can also have the info.
 
Thanks for info Ed - I've been doing more reading and I do think I've answered my own question now - yes the J116 collet will hold the 2-56 tap just fine, as you said. I like your idea of using only 1 size of screws. I've not worked with 2-56 yet, 4-40 is my smallest to date.

Fred - looks like you have me spending some more money. Oh well - it's just toys, and it's less expensive than a bass fishing..... Just check a "real" 21 ft bass boat with 250hp+ engine and a good truck to pull it with - that's well over $100K for the package. I saw one bass boat with a "reduced" price of $80K!!
 
:) I love the Bass fishin example! Haven't done that in years....not many bass in Montana. I do remember the couple of boats that I've owned.... I found out real quick that B-O-A-T stands for: Bust Out Another Thousand! :) Guess thats really not all that much different then our knifemaking addiction!
 
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I just spent some time on that site Ken.....if the tooling is any good, thats a great find. Just looking closely at the tapping head you listed, it looks identical to the one that Frank mentioned. I'm curious to see what they charge for shipping. Something that caught my eye were the Mag Chucks.... they list a 6x12" fine pole, only 1 5/8" thick, for $169. The last one I purchased was a Suburban brand in 6x12....it cost me almost $400!
 
6"X12" for only $170? That is a good price. I just purchased a 6"X8" fine pole for $135 shipped which I felt was a GREAT deal. The seller says it was used, but it sure looks new to me. I'm impressed with it.

I just checked shipping on the auto-tapping head and it shows $18 - not cheap, but still $209+$18 is $227 shipped. I found a used TapMatic 30X with both collets for $200 shipped - photo looks new. Now, decision - used TapMatic or new non-brand for about same price? Comments?

Ken H>
 
I talked to the people at CDCOTOOLS and was not very confident when I put down the phone , I think I will stay with a Tapmatic.
 
Thanks for the update Fred! When I saw the prices, I was a bit suspicious. Generally if a place is selling new, for less then what I can find a used one on Ebay, it gives me pause.
 
Thanks Fred - seems like a used Tapmatic for $200 would be the way to go rather than the new "unknown" auto tapping.

Ken H>
 
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