A simple check list to complete every time you use your Roscamat tapping machine to prevent accidents and damage to your taps and workpieces.
Inspect the Torque-Limiting Clutch
The clutch will disengage should maximum torque be exceeded. Check the adjustment ring is set for the correct size of tap before use. If set too high the clutch will not save the tap from damage should it become stuck in work, and if set too low the clutch will slip before a complete thread is cut. Check the clutch for looseness or for rattling and repair before use.
Check the Tap Holder and Collet
The holders for the taps are designed to hold the taps in place, and it is imperative that the tap holder and collet are cleaned before each use. Make sure that the taper of the holder is cleaned, as well as the collet. This will help to prevent any of the tapers from being damaged. After cleaning, place the tap into the holder, and hand tighten the holder. Make sure that there is no lateral play in the tap. If there is any, the threads will be damaged, and the tap will break on harder materials.
Test the Arm’s Travel and Return Tension
Check the arm’s travel and the return tension of the arm. Make a practice run of the arm down by hand. It should descend smoothly to the bottom of travel and then return to the top of travel crisply. Any slackness in the return spring or stiffness in the pivot point could result in poor thread depth.
Fixture the Workpiece Properly
Never hold a part whilst tapping. Use the machine’s table or a fixture to hold the part and ensure it is rigid and cannot rotate if the tap starts to cut in hard.
Confirm the Cutting Fluid Supply
Make sure the cutting fluid reservoir has a sufficient supply of cutting fluid and that the feed line is clear before starting to tap steel and aluminium parts. Dry tapping can seriously shorten the life of taps.
Check the Power Lead and Guard
Check the power lead for cuts, kinks, etc. and that the spindle guard is fitted and operational.
Roscamat Tapping Machines is covered in more detail at //www.cotswold-machinery-sales.co.uk/roscamat-tapping-machines/.
A few minutes of your time to complete these checks to save broken taps and ensure threads are completed to a high quality.
