Thread Boxes

Hi all,

Maybe some here can help me. I am in the mists of making some book presses and I am having trouble with threading the wooden spindles for the vice jaws.

I have turned a tap on the metal lathe, but I am lost as how to secure the cutter in the threadbox. I have cut the threads into the box but don't know what angle to mount the v cutter or how to retain it.

I done a Google search awhile ago and found a good site with pictures and detailed instruction for making a threadbox, but I didn't save the info. Does anyone know of a site address, or have information on how I might proceed with mounting the V cutter in the threadbox?

I know that I could probably buy one somewhere, but I like to make my own tools. The spindle is 1 1/4' Dia 18" long, hardwood.

Many Thanks,

Trevor Australia

Hello Trevor,

If you can get your hands on a copy of my book, "Making Screw Threads in Wood," published by GMC Publications in England. I talks about all of the ways to make screw threads in wood and how to make a threadbox. For what you are doing, the threadbox is the proper tool, unless you make up some sort of threading jig for the lathe. Accurate thread chasing over that length is out of the question, it would be too difficult to get even threads over an 18" section.

One final thought, since you have availability of a metal lathe, rigging a Dremel or other high speed tool with a double angle 60 degree cutter would enable you to cut the threads on the metal lathe. Fordom did make such a 60 degree cutter.

Good luck,

Fred Holder