Whilst WD40 is quite good for tapping aluminium it is not as you have found much good for anything more.
For what it costs it is far better to buy a purpose made tapping oil or compound which makes cutting far easier and gives better finish and prolonged tooll life. As an experiment someday try cutting mild steel with a normal hacksaw bothe dry and with a proper lubdicant and you will see the difference. As well as being easier my blades last ast least twice as long.
Gerry
Leeds UK
From: "born4something" <ajs@...>
Reply-To: 7x12minilathe@...
To: 7x12minilathe@...
Subject: [7x12minilathe] Tapping Lube
Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2007 06:32:56 -0000
Hi,
I was tapping 6mm in 1/2" steel. Drilled 5mm and used WD40 as it was
handy. Pretty hard going and I snapped the tap on the 2nd hole. Enough
stub to wind it out with the vice grips. I ordered some Tap Magic and
waited for the postie.
The 2nd & 3rd threads were a breeze. I could have turned the wrench
with my little pinkies. I'm not practised at tapping deep threads. The
1/2" steel had a prior life as an anvil on my bench so it was probably
pretty narly. Still, I'm astounded at this Tap Magic. Is that the
experience of others?
John
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gerry waclawiak