Talk:Die head
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Would some of the contributors to the page on die heads describe in greater detail how to set up and use the die head. I acquired a metal working lathe that has a die head very similar to the one shown on the page, but no instructions were provided. Specifically, I cannot seem to figure out how to change the chasers. Possibly something is broken, but I don't think so.
Dmbelisle 17:05, 31 July 2007 (UTC)
Answered on your user page. --gargoyle888 00:59, 1 August 2007 (UTC)
die head questions[edit]
On your question about Die heads:
Yea, it's not obvious how to use one is it? You might want to disassemble it completely, it will give you a good understandig of how it works, you can also give it a thorough cleaning and lubrication at the same time.
What is the make of the Die Head? The most common ones are Geometric.
If it's a Geometric head then the first thing to do is allow the chasers to go back to their open position - just pull the body of the head straight out away from the shank and the spring load will cause it to rotate and open. Next pull the little knob out, look at the top picture in the article, the little knob is the one just above the red knob. When you pull that out, the head should rotate a little bit further. Once it is in that fully rotated and open position, the chasers should slide out.
There is a spring loaded ball bearing underneath each chaser that positions the chaser. You need to overcome the load of that little detent to get the chaser out. You can see the balls in that same picture - look at base of the two slots that are nearest the camera. BTW, that spring loaded ball is what you rely on when you replace the chaser. Slip the chaser in until the ball pops into the groove in the bottom of the chaser and the chaser should be aligned with the closing mechanism. If this last sentence makes no sense whatsoever, don't worry, it will once you come to changing chasers.
Thanks gargoyle888. Being able remove the chasers also shows how the die head will open up to retract after the threads have been cut. Dmbelisle 06:48, 2 August 2007 (UTC)