Shopsmith Forums

Any one have any suggestions on a easy way ? I have seen a lot of videos on YT describing die blocks and even router jigs ? planning ahead , making a chop for a work bench . buying one just doesn't seem to be as much fun.

I did a lot of research on this a few years ago. Never found anything that instilled me with enough confidence to go through with the project. Will be watching to see what you or others come up with.

Never done wood threads myself, but I have always been curious about them. The main problem is cost, right, unless you make your own die block? I mean they have tap and die sets to purchase for this just like in metal woodworking. I am assuming you saw this YT video from King's Fine Woodworking. It looks so easy in that video. They use a massive tap and die set in this video that I believe comes from the Dieter Schmid company. Their 2" tap & die set is over 1000 € (about $1100 in US dollars). Way too expensive for making just one using it, but it is German made which is why it is expensive. Beall makes a router based one but it only goes up 1-1/2". Woodcraft has Woodriver tap and die sets that are much more economical (~$70) but they also only go up to 1-1/2". Not quite the size you are looking for as most bench vise wood threads are either 2" or 2-1/2", I believe. I'd be curious if anyone has a more economical way to make these...IF not, the most economical option is likely to purchase a wood thread vise kit rather than doing the threads yourself.

https://www.fine-tools.com/gewind.html

https://bealltool.com/products/threading/threaders.php

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/1-1- ... lsrc=aw.ds

https://blog.lostartpress.com/2015/03/1 ... ing-tools/

I watched the videos but never tried it like the others have. I have seen an old hand made wooden threading die, not noticeably different from any of the on-line designs except for a long entrance hole into the die, maybe 4 inches long. Having seen the video I think that may make it easier to start the threading by keeping the dowel aligned as the cutting starts, but I'm just guessing at that. I figured I'd try it out some day, probably making my own classic workbench, but those plans have been up in the air for a very long time and I don't see them bubbling up to the top of the list soon.

I think any of the on-line plans have a good chance of working, just looks like some patience required to get the cutter in the right position, What you might think about is finding a carbide tipped edge to use for the cutter.

I have found smaller dia cutting set ups but nothing over 1 1/2 in .

Hobbyman2 wrote: Mon Dec 26, 2022 1:54 pm I have found smaller dia cutting set ups but nothing over 1 1/2 in .

What about making your own die block like this guy does?

https://www.youtube.com/@littleforest

I tried one of the somewhat inexpensive tap and die threaders for 1-1/2" hole. The tap worked fairly well, the die didn't do a very good job and I got to a point on the oil soaked walnut where it just wouldn't go any further as well as causing a lot of chip out. I bought a Beall tap and die and it works very well, although there is some router depth adjustment needed each time you set up the die. I've not seen anything that will do over 1-1/2", though.

Of course, if you want fun, build a CNC that includes a rotary axis.

RFGuy wrote: Mon Dec 26, 2022 2:10 pm

Hobbyman2 wrote: Mon Dec 26, 2022 1:54 pm I have found smaller dia cutting set ups but nothing over 1 1/2 in .

What about making your own die block like this guy does?

https://www.youtube.com/@littleforest

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I may have to make one , it just seems like a lot of work for one wood screw . Than again if I ever need to replace it I can match the threads , LOL quite a conundrum .

roy_okc wrote: Mon Dec 26, 2022 2:43 pm I tried one of the somewhat inexpensive tap and die threaders for 1-1/2" hole. The tap worked fairly well, the die didn't do a very good job and I got to a point on the oil soaked walnut where it just wouldn't go any further as well as causing a lot of chip out. I bought a Beall tap and die and it works very well, although there is some router depth adjustment needed each time you set up the die. I've not seen anything that will do over 1-1/2", though.

Of course, if you want fun, build a CNC that includes a rotary axis.

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LOL I am trying to do this the easy way and I have a small garage . I will check out the BEAL system thanks .

Woodsmith Shop had a show on making lidded canisters with threaded lids, and they cut the threads, male and female, using a router jig. Building the jig is some work, but it can be used to cut threads on work pieces of any size. This web page https://www.woodsmithplans.com/plan/sho ... canisters/ has a video showing how the jig works and an offer for plans - or search for woodsmith shop threading jig.