Taps, Beall vs. regular

It really just depends on the shape of the threads. If the threads are normal UN-shaped threads, a metal tap will work fine. If they are square or acme threads, you would need the appropriate thread shape tap. Never used a Beall tap, so I can’t really offer any specific advice here.

-- Brian T. - Exact science is not an exact science

For wood? I’ve never used anything but regular taps – from 3/4”-10 for my lathe spindle down to #8-32 for set screws – and haven’t had any problems. But the Beall taps have more flutes – 5 or 6 compared to the 4 on regular taps, so maybe they are better for wood (less tear-out maybe?), I dunno. I personally would just use a regular tap since they do work fine and can be used in both wood and metal.

Cheers,
Brad

-- Brad in FL - In Dog I trust... everything else is questionable

I don’t see any reason why ordinary metal taps won’t work. I have two Beall taps and both have four flutes.

-- Gerry -- "I don't plan to ever really grow up ... I'm just going to learn how to act in public!"

Rick

There is a little difference between a metal and wood tap and I have the Beall 1×8 and 1 1/4×8 taps and they work great for threading wood blocks right to the headstock.

-- It is always the right time, to do the right thing.

The Beall tap has a truncated thread form. Metal taps have a sharp vee thread form, which is too fragile for a wood thread. Larger Beall taps come with a removable pilot that centers the tap in the pre-drilled hole. Metal taps work fine in very hard woods like Maple.

I saw that pilot bearing, looks sweet but no mention of it on their website. Honestly their website needs an update badly. The pictures are tiny and information is scant.

-- Rick M, http://thewoodknack.blogspot.com/