Tapping Bt3100 fence block

[newood2]

I'm not sure what material the fence block, or base is made of. I would like to tap 2 holes for #6 screws. Should I use a tapping kit( I don't own one) or use self tapping screws? My second option is just bore holes and use nuts, which I really don't like.
What do you guys do?


Howie

[JoeyGee]

What are you trying to accomplish? Knowing that would help.

[Tom Slick]

If I were going to attach something to the fence block I'd use a drill and tap. I don't care for self tapping screws. a thru hole with nuts would certainly be the strongest and most vibration resistant.

I believe the fence block is cast aluminum but it could also be cast zinc.

[LCHIEN]

I'm not sure what material the fence block, or base is made of. I would like to tap 2 holes for #6 screws. Should I use a tapping kit( I don't own one) or use self tapping screws? My second option is just bore holes and use nuts, which I really don't like.
What do you guys do?
[ATTACH]7803[/ATTACH]

Howie

I think the fence block is cast aluminum.
I would drill and tap it using a kit that gives you at the very least the
proper drill and the tap and a tap handle.

I assume you know how to drill aluminum and use a tap properly.

[big tim]

It's aluminum. As Loring says make sure you have the right drill for the tap. Use a lubricant when you tap the hole. If you don't have anything, believe it or not, I have used handlotion for lack of any lubricant available to me at the time. If you mess up the job you can always through drill for nut and bolt and washer, providing of course you have the clearance inside for nuts and washers.

Tim

[newood2]

While checking out the tapping bits I realized the fence block do not have room inside to allow bit depth needed to cut the thread, so I'll just drill hole and use nuts and bolts.
I'm mounting a metal strip for the Wixey readout magnet.

Howie

[LCHIEN]

While checking out the tapping bits I realized the fence block do not have room inside to allow bit depth needed to cut the thread, so I'll just drill hole and use nuts and bolts.
I'm mounting a metal strip for the Wixey readout magnet.

Howie

the wixey units is quite light and moves with low forces, I'm sure. Wouldn't take but three or four threads in the block or around 1/8" thick material to hold well enough to work with 6-32 screws, I would think. Just tighten lightly so as not to strip them out.

[jhgrady]

newood2

I'd like to see pictures of your Wixey mounted to a BT3x.

Thanks,

John

[newood2]

newood2

I'd like to see pictures of your Wixey mounted to a BT3x.
Thanks,
John

I am working on it right now and will post some pictures when I'm through.
I'm also in the process of getting a better camera, the one I have was a cheap giveaway some years ago and it really shoddy. I'm looking to get the Canon A570IS for about $160, I hope it's a good one.
Howie