Homebrew Face plates
Fred L. - North Carolina
>A faceplate is easy to make if the proper tap is available to cut the threads. A faceplate can be made from aluminum, which is easy to cut, and even hardwood. The threaded area in a wood faceplate or nut can be reinforced with glue. After a day or so, the tap can be run again to rectify the thread.
Unfortunately the taps that fit lathe threads are not easy to find, and very expensive.
I just ordered a HSS tap 1"-8 from:
http://www.grizzlyoutlet.com
for $4.95.
They also have 3/4"-16, and 3/4"-10 which fits the spindle in some HF lathes, taps at the same price.
They also have a set of Silver & Deming HSS TiN drills with 1/2" shanks. Item H0565. Although the sizes are not listed, from the picture I think they run from 1/2" to 1" and would be useful to drill holes for lathe work.
I hope this will help others facing the same problems.
Regards, Fred