Where can I buy machine taps? Reccomendations on retailers and style?
Hey guys,
I come across home projects on occasion where I need to tap a lot of holes and I have always done so with cheapo Sears / Canadian tire hand taps. I now need to drill and tap a lot of holes in aluminum for my current CNC build. I have decided that I will pick up a procunier 2E or 3E on ebay.
My question is, where can I actually buy good machine taps online? I keep searching, but I only come up with commercial distributors that have no online pricing or purchasing. Right now I only need to do some 1/4-20 blind and through holes in aluminum, but it would be nice to pick up a few different common sizes for projects in the future.
Also, I understand that I want to use spiral flute taps for blind holes and spiral points for through holes. Would you experienced machinists recommend conventional taps or form taps?
Oh, and all of the tapping will be done on my 3/4 HP Drill press. (Craftex brand, same as Grizzly tools) It has almost 4 thousandths of runout, but that should be sufficient for tapping 1/4-20 holes, right?
Thanks!
JGRO Complete - G540, 380oz Nema23s, 1/2-10 ACME, 30"x14", Craftsman router
Joes 4x4 R&P in progress