Thread Chasing Tools

[Jeff Moffett]

I had the opportunity to attend a 3-day workshop with Mike Mahoney last weekend. One of the techniques he taught was making hand chased threads. Of course now that I've done it, I want to buy some thread chasing tools. Mike taught the technique with 16 threads per inch (TPI) tools because it is apparently one of the easiest thread sizes to learn. I was browsing through The Woodturners Catalog and noticed that they say 20 TPI is the most common. If I plan to make boxes with threaded lids, and hollow forms with threaded collars and finials, should I use 16, 18, or 20 TPI? Also, does anyone have an opinion about the Allan Batty thread chasers vs. the Sorby thread chasers?

On a side note, I was extremely impressed with Mike Mahoney. He's an incredible turner and has the people skills and teaching skills to match. If he's ever teaching in your area, I highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunity.

[Pete Jordan]

Jeff,

I bought this set from Hartville:http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/12104

I haven't been able to get the threads not to crumble when I try. I am not sure if it is the wood or me. (Probably Me)
What kind of wood did you use at the demo? Was it wet or dry?

Thanx,

Pete

[George Van]

Pete, when I was at the Dessert Woodturning Roundup, Mike demoed threading on blackwood. He said it works well on the harder hardwoods.

[Jeff Moffett]

What kind of wood did you use at the demo? Was it wet or dry?

Pete, thanks for the additional tool choice. We just used some maple scraps for practice and it was still somewhat wet. Probably not the best thing to use for the real deal, but we were just trying to learn the technique.

[Pete Jordan]

George,

I don't think they grow any blackwood in Michigan. I can't afford to buy any wood right now so I will try again with local woods.

Pete, when I was at the Dessert Woodturning Roundup, Mike demoed threading on blackwood. He said it works well on the harder hardwoods.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Jeff I have to agree about Mike. I have his video on bowl turning and have e-mailed him a couple of times. Very nice person. I like the way he explains things and makes them actually simple.

[George Van]

George,

I don't think they grow any blackwood in Michigan. I can't afford to buy any wood right now so I will try again with local woods.

I hear ya Pete, no blackwood or ebony in my shop either!

[Jim Mitchell]

I also had the chance to see Mike's demo. I thought he used Box wood another option he gave was to practice with Corian. I agree regarding Mike's demo skills, he was great...

Jim

[Gordon Seto]

If you think African Blackwood is expensive, then you can forget about European Boxwood.

Wet wood would move when dry; oval threads won't work well.

Gordon