The Woodturning Forum - Woodturner's Resource

Matthew Stephenson Active Member Offline WR Rocks! Posts: 121 Gender:	Threads? 03/09/12 at 23:45:08 At the risk of sounding stupid I have to ask how do you make wood threads? I know metal lathes cut threads, is there some attachment for a wood lathe to do it or is there some hand tool? Not really sure what application I have for wood threads but I'm just curious. Thanks in advance, Matt
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Michael DeWald Senior Member Offline What? Posts: 321 Gender:	Re: Threads? Reply #1 - 03/10/12 at 00:39:00 Beall makes taps to match spindle threads. For threading box lids, etc, Sorby makes a couple of different tools. I haven't tried it, they look a little fiddly to use. There are multiple videos from the manufacturer on you tube.
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Bob Hamilton

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Re: Threads?
Reply #2 - 03/10/12 at 01:00:04

The hand tool method (other than simply tapping a female thread) is called thread chasing. There have been a few posts about it here if you do a search.

There are a few machine cut options which involve jigs which can be pretty pricey. This is the Bonnie Klein version: Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to

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And this is the Soren Berger version: Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to

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Here is another which appears quite similar to Bonnie's: Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to

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If I recall correctly, most of the jigs operate in a similar fashion to Bonnie's, in that the workpiece is mounted on the jig, chuck and all, and the cutter is mounted into the headstock spindle, so the lathe drives the cutter and the workpiece is advanced into it by turning the central screw. The resulting thread matches the central screw thread.

I do remember someone making a home made version but I don't recall who it was or what forum I was reading it in.

Take care
Bob

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« Last Edit: 03/10/12 at 01:21:59 by Bob Hamilton »

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Bernie Weishapl WR Supporter Offline WR Rocks! Posts: 2168 Gender:	Re: Threads? Reply #3 - 03/10/12 at 07:23:05 On lidded boxes and lidded urn's I use the sorby hand chaser. It has a learning curve to it but if done correctly gives you a nice threaded lid.
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Matthew Stephenson Active Member Offline WR Rocks! Posts: 121 Gender:	Re: Threads? Reply #4 - 03/10/12 at 09:39:26 Thanks all!
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Guy Bratt

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Re: Threads?
Reply #5 - 03/10/12 at 12:56:12

Matt
You may enjoy building a threader like this. A couple of turners in our club have and they work well. You'll need to get a adapter to fit a 3/8 shank 60* V cutter to fit a router.
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I actually have detailed drawing on how to build it but I can't find them online right now.
Here's another design you might try. Doesn't need a router. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to

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« Last Edit: 03/10/12 at 13:37:47 by Guy Bratt »

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Mike Baber WR Addict WR Supporter Offline When all else fails, ask someone who knows! Posts: 5952 Gender:	Re: Threads? Reply #6 - 03/10/12 at 20:01:23 Bernie Weishapl wrote on 03/10/12 at 07:23:05: On lidded boxes and lidded urn's I use the sorby hand chaser. I knew I forgot something today when I was at WC!
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robo_hippy

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Re: Threads?
Reply #7 - 03/11/12 at 11:06:47

The thread cutters on the headstock allow you to cut threads in just about any wood. With hand chasing, you are limited to way fewer woods. I won't cut threads in boxes over about 1 1/2 inches. Wood movement will cause the threads to not fit. I found that out by making some boxes here in wet Oregon, and then going to a show in dry California. You can also use the heavy duty plastic pipe that is already threaded, cut rings, and glue them into place.

robo hippy

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Matthew Stephenson

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Re: Threads?
Reply #8 - 03/11/12 at 13:46:16

robo_hippy wrote on 03/11/12 at 11:06:47:

The thread cutters on the headstock allow you to cut threads in just about any wood. With hand chasing, you are limited to way fewer woods. I won't cut threads in boxes over about 1 1/2 inches. Wood movement will cause the threads to not fit. I found that out by making some boxes here in wet Oregon, and then going to a show in dry California. You can also use the heavy duty plastic pipe that is already threaded, cut rings, and glue them into place.

robo hippy

Yeah i seen that in another thread and actually thought it was probably the best way to do it. Never the less i was curious. As of now I can't think of an application for it so I will likely hold off purchasing any equipment to do it but good to know there are a lot of options should i choose.

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