Author Topic: Reverse switch for tapping  (Read 11551 times)

SouthernAtHeart

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Reverse switch for tapping
« on: January 14, 2018, 04:43:19 PM »
I've seen videos of tapping and using the reverse switch for the instant direction change.  Is it pretty well accepted that this isn't harmful to the brushless motor?  I would only ever do this at low RPMs.
Has anyone been doing this for any length of time with no ill effects?
thanks.

Macpod

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Re: Reverse switch for tapping
« Reply #1 on: January 15, 2018, 02:20:18 PM »
I don't think this idea is going to work. The mill is not particularly stable speed-wise at the low end which is not going to be kind to taps. I also don't believe the reverse is instantaneous.

The users who have wanted to install a reverse switch on their mill are using this in conjunction with a boring head run in reverse.

If you need to perform a significant amount of tapping operations you may want to consider purchasing a "self-reversing tapping head". The are large and cumbersome for the mill. Might be best to make the holes (or at least pilots on the mill) and then use a drill press to drill/tap the holes.