Thread whirling

I hate tapping!
Unfortunately, since I am using step motors, LinuxCNC will not be able to help me either. Or so I thought, until I came across this: www.directindustry.com/prod/dixi-polytoo...ct-32469-848505.html

Can anyone provide some insight to what it takes to whirl threads like this?

Thanks,
/Chris

I have used this method once on my cnc mill along time ago for large diameter threads.

I cant remember the exact details but I think I just set software to do a helical cut at the correct thread pitch as the depth of cut.

Why does step motors stop you from tapping?

Chris M

I've always heard it referred to as thread milling. I use steppers and it works great. If you're not familiar with the concept it doesn't use a tap but rather the tooth profile and mills the thread instead of tapping. It uses a spiral move and advances at the pitch.

The easiest way I've found is to use a CAM software like Fusion360 which has a built in thread milling feature. Just program the sizes and pitch and it generates the code. Depending on if you're cutting outside or inside diameter threads determines if the whole being cut is the minor or major diameter of the thread.

Aha, so it is generated in the CAM software! Makes sense now that you say it. I guess that pushes me toward an investment in a more sophisticated CAM tool than Heeks or FreeCAD that I am currently using.

cmorley wrote:

Why does step motors stop you from tapping?
Chris M

It has been said numerous times around here that tapping is for encoder based machines only.

Thanks for your responses!
/Chris

Fusion360...free for the little guy and not too much investment if you're a larger outfit. Give it a shot. Top notch CAD/CAM software by Autodesk.

Oh, I see!
But who needs such complexity now that there are thread milling/whirling tools that will chamfer, drill and finish tap to the bottom of a whole in one operation? Oh, and will not break, rendering the part destroyed. Or if it breaks, can just be lifted out and the operation run again with a new tool.
I am probably being a foolish romantic here, but the concept looks really nice! I will have to explore it!

Thanks,
/Chris