Handy-Thread

Maintenance:

Remove/Install Die Head:
To install or remove a complete die head, remove cutting fluid guard and loosen (about 2 turns) the socket set screw(s) in the spindle behind the die head. Move the die yoke latch bar to the right and lift the bronze die yoke out of its groove in the die head. The die head is now ready to be removed by pulling it toward the operator. Do not hammer on the die head if it is tight; drive a thin wedge or screwdriver between the die head and the spindle.

Some die heads have die blocks which can easily be removed while the die head remains in the machine. This allows a quick change of thread size or thread lead. Consult the instruction manual for your particular brand of die head and proceed accordingly.

To re-install the die head, slip the shank into the spindle hole. Be sure the flat on the die head shank is exactly in the center under the spindle set screw(s). Tap the die head lightly with a soft hammer until its base seats against the end of the spindle, then tighten the remaining set screw(s) in the spindle, drop the die yoke into its slot, pull the yoke latch bar to the left, and re-mount the cutting fluid guard.

Next, select the proper size rod guide bushing which mounts on the carriage plate and twist 1/8th turn clockwise. The rod guide bushings are about 1/32" larger than the diameter of the rod to be threaded. Next, unscrew the collet retaining nut on the air chuck and remove the collet. Install a collet for the size rod to be threaded, re-assemble the collet retaining nut, and tighten.