Can these machines do threading?
Lets say a 1/4" hole, 2mm deep, I need to just add a few threads to mount a very light attachment.
Worst case scenario I can probably sand the point off a tap and do it manually, would be cool to machine it though.
I need advice on how to program that if it’s possible, what specific type of bit to use etc
This has been discussed a bit before:
https://community.carbide3d.com/search?q=thread
Usually, folks just use Fusion 360, but I’ve been working on a tool which should allow making them.
Usually a single-point threadcutter is used — if you’ll let us know which one you plan on using we can look into this with you.
Hi Will, I’m thinking M4 threads would be perfect
Harvey has a single-point threadcutter for M4:
https://www.harveytool.com/products/tool-details-882126
which will require a 3mm collet.
It looks as if one would normally machine a ~3.3mm hole, then the tool is plunged into the center, then it moves sideways to begin the cut, then spirals up and around and out (this allows chips to fall to the bottom of the hole, rather than worrying about clearing them).
If the above seems reasonable to you and the tool and collet are in your budget for this project, let me know and we’ll see about doing the code for it.
Really appreciate your help and offer to share the code.
After some consideration: I don’t have fusion360 and don’t want to pay for it (commercial use), I don’t have a 3mm collet (well I do - but it’s for a 2.2kw spindle that isn’t installed), don’t have the thread cutting tool, don’t have the knowledge to carry out the task.
I think I’ll have to attempt manually tapping the holes with a custom tap and re-assess automated threads at some point in the future.