Thread tapping

Uncle Petey

Uncle Petey

Uncle Petey

Soldato
Joined
22 Jul 2012
Posts
16,212
Location
London
Could anyone advise on what exactly I would need to tap M4 threads into ~2mm box section steel or aluminium?
I get lost when looking at tapping kits and stuff tbh :o

I don't have a drill press, just a regular drill and a workbench. Could I just do it by hand without power tools?
 
Thanks chaps :)
I kind of just picked M4, but it's not absolutely necessary that I use that size. Any other size recommendations that would be more suitable are welcome :) ED: Duh, M6 has been recommended.. :o

Bolting through is not really an option for me, as this is for a planned scratch built case using 1" box section framework and I plan to attach the panels (and other bits) by screwing them into the frame.

I'd prefer to use aluminium as it'd be a fair bit lighter, but it would work out a fair bit more expensive, so steel is still in the running if it makes a difference.
 
Last edited:
Too Tall said:
Do you have a drawing or somthing of what your trying to make?
Click to expand...
Yeah, I have a couple of sketchup designs, but I probably won't be going with either of them as it stands, so that may not help much.

There is no real load bearing required for the parts I want to attach to the framework if that helps. It's just the weight of 5mm Acrylic sheet, some of which may be large-ish at 5-600mm.
There may be a couple of spots where bolting through it would be fine, but for most bits it's not an option.

@Wazza
No idea mate :D
 
Yeah, I could just order a small section of steel to test with.

That brings me back to the original question of what to get? :D I seriously know nothing about this kind of thing...
 
Possibly, yes. Would also help with shrinking the overall dimensions I suppose.

I went with box section as I don't have a massive selection of power tools or a workshop etc, and was just going to have them cut to size and popped together using a variety of these.
All I'd then need to do is tap the required threads and screw on the panels, plus a few L brackets for various bits.
Welding or cutting metal that can't be done with anything more than a nibbler or jigsaw isn't an option here.
 
I'd have to get a final lock on the design first :D Currently deciding whether or not to stick with three GPU's or go back to two.
Which way I swing would influence the amount of rad space, which then influences the design choices.

The weight of the steel isn't a huge issue. The case would only be transported occasionally.

Here's a very early design. It's not what I'll be going for, but the basic principle is the same.
I'm sure you can picture where the framework will be :)

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The frameless stuff in the background on the last pic is something I'm toying with. Triple 360+480 for giggles.
 
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