Have to tap in some M6 threads into blind holes in Stainless Steel.
Have correct tapping drill ... and Taper, Plug & 2nd ....
I'm not going to but any specific thread cutting lube, but does anyone know what 'common' lube is most suited .... 3-in-1, white spirit, WD40, Paraffin, brake fluid, lithium grease. Have use all of the above on different materials .. i.e. white spirit when tapping Aluminum.
What is recommended for Stainless ( A2 grade)
In the absence of proper tapping fluid I'd just use oil diluted a bit with paraffin to reduce its lubricity.
BTW paraffin (kerosene) is by far the best lubricant for aluminium. Diesel fuel is also acceptable.
Nutserts?
I think that 3-in-1 would be the best from that list (I'd avoid the brake fluid completely - nasty stuff). I assume that you have those handy? If not, you're better off with the real thing. Something like
dan.
Ur link doesn't work ;-)
Stainless? Buy some real cutting compound - RTD etc. Try Tilgear for a supplier.
It does indeed work very well. It's also immensely more expensive which to anyone doing a lot of aluminium machining, i.e. me, is a not insubstantial point.
I can pick up a can of BOSS thread cutting compound from local plumbers trade outlet... but this is not specifically for Stainless,
Stainless is notorious for work hardening as it's being machined so it requires very sharp tools and quite aggressive feed rates on the mill or lathe so the tool gets well under the surface. Same problem with tapping really especially if the taps are not brand new and ultra sharp.
I would second that.
And as they a Blind Holes, here is a little Tip.
Before you start tapping push some Wax, or Putty, or Plasticine or Playdoh into the hole, then as you tap, the swarf gets pushed up out of the way.
You can buy this a proper tapping sticks.
Back in my day we used lard (dripping). As good as any of this modern stuff.
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