Some time ago, I wrote about making a tool post adapter for a Dremel tool. Today, I needed to cut short pieces of #6-32 all thread rod. I wasn't looking forward to it at all, not because cutting threaded rod is particularly hard to do, but because cleaning up small threads after cutting is a pain. I used the Dremel tool adapter and my Dremel tool with a thin abrasive wheel to cut the parts. The rod was chucked up gently so as not to damage the threads, and the lathe was run at slow speed, while the Dremel spun like mad, which is what Dremel tools do. This worked just great. The abrasive disc whizzed right through the rod, and threads weren't damaged at all. I was done in no time. Even the ends of the parts had a nice finish, not that it mattered. They won't be seen. The parts started in their threaded holes with no problem, and screwed right into place. Terrific. As always, click on the photo for a better look.
4 comments:
You can make a "chuck" for screwed items by drilling and tapping a short piece of rod and then cutting a slot through to the middle. As the chuck tightens on the rod, the rod also tightens on screwthread.
Yes, Andy, you're correct. I've made similar chucks by drilling and tapping a piece of rod and using a jam nut on the threaded part to lock it in place. Slotting the chuck is certainly a more elegant solution. I just need to get an assortment slitting saws. I currently have none. Oh dear, something else to buy!
You just solved my problem of having to pay high prices for 6-48 & 8-40 plug screws that you only can get at the gunsmithing houses. Making a long one, cutting it with the Dremel Tool and slotting one of each seems like a good way to kill some time and save some money.
Bob, just take pains to get your screw slot dead center of your screw plug. Otherwise, it looks wrong once it's installed. Oh, and time is money.
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