Making a tap

[4x4mike]

Not a tap exactly but something similar. I wish to thread an existing hole with 1/2" NPT. The hole is already the proper size it just needs threads. Here is the easy part, both pieces are plastic. The hole is actually the pouring spout in the lid of a Specter MWC, it's pretty rigid but I think will cut easily. I want to thread in a short section of grey PVC that is threaded in each end to make a spout for a nozzle off the lid. It wouldn't be used all the time and I want the lid to seal like factory and I figure this is the least damaging.


I bought a 3" black pipe section with the male threads and was wondering if I can modify it to cut the threads. I was thinking about cutting (grinding) a couple of flutes and then threading it in with some pressure in hopes the modded pipe will cut thread and the flutes remove the cuttings.

What do you all think? Will it work or is there another way I should go about this?

[4x4mike]

After trying to find the thread on my pitch finder I'm not sure the thread I'm looking for is NPT but that doesn't matter because I have a metal section in the proper thread.

Here is the lid

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Specter/DSC07944.jpg



I want to thread this in here.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Specter/DSC07945.jpg


Then assemble this to it.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Specter/DSC07946.jpg

[garrett]

probably not what you're looking for but you could get another tan piece (or replacement cap maybe), use just the cap that fits the outside threads, drill it out and glue an extension into it and use it as an attachment.

otherwise, i guess you could cut flutes and try to grind a taper on the end and see if it works as a tap. have never tried anything like that...

[Seanz0rz]

go get a black iron pipe of the same threads, clean up the threads with a thread file and wire brush. clamp it in the vise, heat it up with a torch and start threading. just keep it moving, dont let it sit on the pipe while it cools, just thread it on and back off.

[4x4mike]

probably not what you're looking for but you could get another tan piece (or replacement cap maybe), use just the cap that fits the outside threads, drill it out and glue an extension into it and use it as an attachment.

otherwise, i guess you could cut flutes and try to grind a taper on the end and see if it works as a tap. have never tried anything like that...


The caps have a unique thread and I've already looked into going that route. I did think about glue but I've got 2 of these cans and wanted to keep the caps intact. If I can find another cap for cheap I may do something permanent.

[4x4mike]

go get a black iron pipe of the same threads, clean up the threads with a thread file and wire brush. clamp it in the vise, heat it up with a torch and start threading. just keep it moving, dont let it sit on the pipe while it cools, just thread it on and back off.


I already have the black pipe, it is the one I was going to cut flutes into. I didn't think about heating it. Don't you think it'll make the OD too large? I want this to be pretty water tight. I imagine heating it up and it just making a gooey mess with no threads. I have no idea what plastic they use on these.

[mastacox]

Why not just buy a tap? What am I missing? :headscratch: They aren't that expensive...

http://www.amazon.com/2-14-npt-taper-pipe-tap/dp/B000GAQEEK

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91395

[BruceTS]

haha too bad you don't live closer to me, I'd let you borrow one of my taps....

[Robinhood4x4]

I don't know if it'll work but I like your spout idea. You can try doing a test run into wood to see if your pipe idea would work.

[4x4mike]

Why not just buy a tap? What am I missing? :headscratch: They aren't that expensive...

http://www.amazon.com/2-14-npt-taper-pipe-tap/dp/B000GAQEEK

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91395


You know I never searched online. I went to 2 places local to me and the taps were close to $40 so I figured I'd shove a sharp pipe in there. I'll call my local HF and see if they have that kit. Thanks.

[4x4mike]

Went to HF after work today and picked up the taps. They were on sale so that's a bonus :thumbup:

They are actually very sharp and look very nice. I'm not sure how hard they are but I'm sure I'll have them around awhile. I already have a couple of the 2 smaller sizes in high quality but nonetheless.

$11.99

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Specter/DSC07948.jpg


http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Specter/DSC07949.jpg


http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Specter/DSC07951.jpg

Now I can leave the jug on a table or even the roof and still get water. With a more common thread I can get a shower nozzle, etc for my needs.

[Obi..]

Pics of the whole deal? next thing you know you'll be picking up a heat exchanger* to plumb into your heater lines.

*Why I kept my radiator with the trans cooler integrated, I just have to finally do something about it all.

[4x4mike]

I have to get the jug out of the attic to test it all out and take some pics. I've thought about a heater but passed on that a long time ago. We use a solar shower most of the time. This spout is more for fill water bottles, for dishes and the occasional shower.

[mastacox]

Nice :thumbup:

[4x4mike]

Thanks and thanks for reminding me about the internet and HF.

[Robinhood4x4]

I was so expecting you to use the ghetto pipe tap. I feel cheated.

:shake:

:wrenchin:

So how's it work?

[4x4mike]

So how's it work?


Works quite well. I watered the garden with it today.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Specter/DSC07952.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Specter/DSC07955.jpg

[CJM]

That a fuel or water can? If its fuel dont expect the pvc to last to long from the gas corroding it.

btw where did you find the flexible line?

[Robinhood4x4]

It says water. Plus, I would hope Mike isn't watering his garden with gas.

:tongueout:

[4x4mike]

I do kill weeds with gas but that's for a different thread. It's a MWC and only good for water. The flexible line is from the sprinkler section at Home Depot. I think it's for odd applications where you have a bend or something.

[CJM]

I must be more tired than i thought cause i didnt see water anywhere..

Course now after my 2 hour nap..

[Robinhood4x4]

What about venting? Does it need to be burped when you use it?

[4x4mike]

It's got a vent on the cap. Surprisingly water doesn't come out of it.

[Robinhood4x4]

Surprisingly water doesn't come out of it.

I was wondering about that. Not having a spout was one of the reasons I hadn't gotten a spectre can yet. I guess I have to get a couple now.

[DHC6twinotter]

Mike, I always enjoy reading about all your various projects you have going on. Pretty creative stuff! :thumbup:

[4x4mike]

Surprisingly water doesn't come out of it.

I was wondering about that. Not having a spout was one of the reasons I hadn't gotten a spectre can yet. I guess I have to get a couple now.


I think they do make a spout but they are hard to come by and can be expensive. My wife doesn't like the Specters because full they are heavy and this makes it useable. I like the cans because they are bomber and don't leak. All the other water jugs I've had spring leaks and are really thin.



Mike, I always enjoy reading about all your various projects you have going on. Pretty creative stuff! :thumbup:


Glad I can entertain.