Thread Cutting

This article will teach you how to cut screw threads on the lathe using the leadscrew, thread dial and a single-point thread cutting tool (as opposed to taps and dies).  Threading will enable you to cut threads on objects such as lens mounts which cannot be done with a  tap or die.

You will learn how to:

• cut external threads of various sizes
• determine proper thread depth
• set up the gear train
• use the thread indicator dial
• set the angle of the compound slide
• grind your own threading tools.

Thread cutting is one of the more difficult skills to master on the lathe, so is best attempted after you have a good understanding of the basic lathe operations such as facing, turning and drilling.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Topic Length: Approximately 20 pages when printed

Tools Needed

• Commercial threading tool or HSS blanks to grind your own
• Dial caliper
• Thread pitch gage (optional)
• Thread gage (center gage)
• Machinist's protractor