G'day Viki, John.
You have found the difference between cheap taps and better quality
taps.
I have about three sets of "cheap taps". The other day i was
attempting to cut a 8mm thread in an SS bush. The cheap taps just
would not look at the job. Fortunately I had purshased a limited
selection of Brand name taps, not top of the range but good. I
extrated ane of the better taps from its packet and set it to work.
The job was almost effortless. Forget the cheap taps unless you want
to cut a thread in
lead. As for cheap dies, I get a better job on the lathe.
I have struck it lucky with one set of truly bargain taps. A tooling
store had relocated to near my home and must have bundled eveything
together in the move and then couldn't be bothered sorting through
it. I picked up a 3/8 x 24T set of taper, plug and bottoming taps for
AUD3.00 plus some other goodies like reamers for AUD5.00.
If any one in Oz wants me to look for a specific item let me know,
you could get a bargain. There's taps and dies of odd sizes, reamer,
milling cutters (horizontal) etc.
I must have done somebody a good turn!
Regards,
Ian
