TAPPING AND THREADING

Standard machine shop tools and procedures may be used for tapping and threading. Wherever possible, the "national coarse thread" system should be applied. On diameters over 1", Acme threads are preferred to V­threads. The root should be radiused.

When transparency is a requirement for the tapped threads, a wax stick should be inserted in the drilled holes before tapping. As in drilling, the wax lubricates the cuts and supports and expels the chips resulting in cleaner, more transparent threads.

Taps should be backed out often to clear the chips. The wax stick is particularly useful for blind holes since it tends to clean out the chips as they are formed.

Machining Acrylic Sheet