Anyone know where to find a good tap and die set?

[tattoomike68]

I am finding that I am not tooled up to do models very well.

Anyone know of where to buy a tap and die set in the size ranges a model builder would need?

My smallest normal tap is a 10-24 that I used on my flycutter and I lost it in my shop. I need a kit that comes in a box so I can keep track of everything.

 

[rake60]

I have the metric set that is shown on: hobbytool.com
I won't tell you what I paid for it at a local hobby shop. :shock:
I still might order the SAE set too.

 

[shred]

I bought a few separate taps and dies in various small sizes from Enco not long ago. When the decent ones are on sale, it's a pretty good deal.

 

[tattoomike68]

Im looking but the prices are nuts.

I guess I will have to just chip away one rap and die at a time for 4-5 bucks each.

 

[rake60]

As Jack said, when you buy a tap you may as well buy two.
Last time I bought 2-56 I bought 10. Haven't broken one since. :?
Of the set I have the smallest one I've used has been the 1.6mm It's
closest to the 0-80 Here's a pic of it next to a 2-56 for comparison.

I must have been holding my mouth just right, because it made it through
without breaking.

 

[loggerhogger]

Micro mark has a lot of the smaller sizes. Also contact MSC and get one of their "Big Books" Lots of tooling, and a large selection of specialty taps and dies. the book is free, and is full of handy stuff. Also, Cole's Power Models sells BA (British Association) taps and dies. Very handy when building any engines by Stuart.

 

[wolfpackcpl]

Whatever you buy, make sure it is high speed steel.
Carbon steel taps and dies aren't worth 2 cents, IMO.
McMaster-Carr.com has lots of tap and die sets, along with indexes to keep the taps and proper tap drills together.