ACE tapping machine

Hi all, in the quest for easier tapping I have acquired an ACE tapping machine which has a reversing clutch mechanism.

Anyone have one and can offer advice on its use or anyone recall any information which may help in refurbishing it.

Initially the quill bearings look shot but they are just oilite bushes and it needs a paint job. But I need to know about the clutch system, i.e. adjusting etc.

The chuck is also an issue as I am not sure of the size of tap it will take or if I need another one to deal with other tap sizes.

Hoping you can help T

Ahhh! No replies....

Anyroad up, I can update the group as follows;-

stripped and cleaned, new drive belts fitted, new bearings pressed in, all rebuilt and wired up.

Result;- success... The unit functions well and taps M8 like a dream. The clutch system is straight forward enough and the chuck is a simple affair which holds a tap just like a hand tap wrench but allows the holder to slide and be locked when running true. I just need to make a couple of holders for smaller tap sizes and all is well.

Hurray for tapping square and true,

Regards T

Hi Tractorman,

I've often thought a tapping machine would be useful but could never justify the expense.

Most of the ones I have looked at have been either pneumatic or hydraulic, from what you say, I am guessing yours is electrically powered.

Did you take any photos during the rebuild, particularly interested in the clutch mechanism, as I cannot find any info on how these operate, although I have my own ideas.

Does the clutch provide an auto reverse facility to back off the tap or am I thinking too deep

cheers

Graeme

Hi There

There is an easy way to reverse a tapping machine.

It is a rubber cone drive between metal cones.

When you press the table up, the tap goes forward.

When you lower the table, the tap goes in reverse.

You can also use two flat plates instead of the tapered cones and it will also work horizontally.

regards David

Edited By David Clark 1 on 27/06/2012 13:18:52

Hi,

the clutch consists of an upper and lower pulley with a clutch plate for each.

The way the belt runs, if the lower clutch is engaged (by pulling down on the operating handle) the spindle drives clockwise. When the operating handle reaches the stop bar pressure on the lower clutch is released and as you allow the handle to spring back up the upper clutch engages and reverses the spindle. Very neat. similar to the cones mechanism mentioned above.

I have tested it with M8 and it works really well.

I will take some snaps, I didn't during the rebuild but you can see all you need now its rebuilt.

Regards P