thread die question

[masonmachines]

what diameter round steel do i need to thread it with a 1/2" -20 die?

[Kartracer55]

1/2 If you are going to cut external threads, the stock you need is what the overall measurement of the thread size is. For example, a 1/4 20 bolt has an OD of 1/4 inch, so a1/2 20 bolt has an od of 1/2inch.

Remember when you are threading plain stock use an adjustable die. Solid dies are meant for rethreading and cleaning up threads, or extending a few threads on a shouldered bolt. Adjusable dies are more expensive than a regular die, but they are the correct dies to use for the application. if you only need to cut like 2-3 inches of thread, you can get away with a regular die, but you will probably kill it by the end of the job. The adjustable die is the correct die to use for this job, and you will need to order it from Enco or MSC, but They will Outlast a regular die by many times while doing work like you are doing.

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/N2DRVSH search item number 03754306 its the cheapest USA made one they have

For an adjustable die, you tighten the adjustment screw to cut shallow threads. Take it off, and unscrew the adjustment screw, to cut deeper threads, then start over once again with the adjustment screw all the way unscrewed. By reducing the amount of stock the die has to cut, on each pass, you will get a much cleaner set of threads, and put reduced stress on the die. This is oldschool, and most people dont know this, but its the correct way to do it.

Jim

[masonmachines]

thanks for the very indepth response.

[m016324]

.5 stock pitch diameter .467 minor diameter .445 Don't need an adjustable die just a standard die that's what it'll give you.

-ben


1/2 If you are going to cut external threads, the stock you need is what the overall measurement of the thread size is. For example, a 1/4 20 bolt has an OD of 1/4 inch, so a1/2 20 bolt has an od of 1/2inch.

Remember when you are threading plain stock use an adjustable die. Solid dies are meant for rethreading and cleaning up threads, or extending a few threads on a shouldered bolt. Adjusable dies are more expensive than a regular die, but they are the correct dies to use for the application. if you only need to cut like 2-3 inches of thread, you can get away with a regular die, but you will probably kill it by the end of the job. The adjustable die is the correct die to use for this job, and you will need to order it from Enco or MSC, but They will Outlast a regular die by many times while doing work like you are doing.

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/N2DRVSH search item number 03754306 its the cheapest USA made one they have

For an adjustable die, you tighten the adjustment screw to cut shallow threads. Take it off, and unscrew the adjustment screw, to cut deeper threads, then start over once again with the adjustment screw all the way unscrewed. By reducing the amount of stock the die has to cut, on each pass, you will get a much cleaner set of threads, and put reduced stress on the die. This is oldschool, and most people dont know this, but its the correct way to do it.

Jim

[krb]

.5 stock pitch diameter .467 minor diameter .445 Don't need an adjustable die just a standard die that's what it'll give you.

-ben
All this info might get the person more confused! It's fine for single pointing threads on a lathe plus you need a pitch mic or wires to measure the pitch dia.but for just doing some basic threading it is a overkill.An adj. will give a better looking thread if adjustments are made and depending on type of mat'l.being threaded.

[1tonyj]

shoot me you re-mail address and i will e-mail you a printable chart