Starting the marking out on this end to get the 3 places for the die holding screws.
Continuing with the marking out, there will be 3 threaded holes in the side of the die holder.
Marking down to where the tapped holes go.
Setting up in the drill vice. Copper soft jaws to prevent marking job.
Just starting the tap, M5x0.8 , and making sure it is square to hole. I made the bodies out of 431 stainless steel. 431 stainless machines nicely but you have to be careful tapping, good sharp taps are a must.
And square in this direction too.
I made two die holders because some dies are 1inch outside diameter and some are 25mm outside diameter. The die on the left is M3x0.5 and is 25mm OD. The one on the right is 1/8" BSW and is 1inch OD. I thought about cylindrical grinding the 1 inch ones down to 25mm but thought better of it in case I buy any more and they're 1 inch, I'd have to grind them as well.
Machining the tommy bar, here I am chamfering the corners. The tommy bar is 431 stainless steel. The shank is a smidgen over 1/2" and the spigot suits the holes I drilled.
Showing the tap holder with tommy bar in place and shank of tool slid out of bronze bush a little way. I made the bronze piece out of home cast leaded bronze from scrap.
The one bronze bush suits all three holders, the holders are a nice close sliding fit in the bush. I have used hex socket grub screws for the die holders so there's nothing sticking out. I have already used one of the die holders and it made the job real easy, a good start and squareness is assured.
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