Piper number 2 reversible tapping head operating instructions

[KBs PensNmore]

Wondering if anyone has a copy or operating manual for a Piper number 2 tapping head 0 - 1/2" that I could buy please.
Have a rough idea on it's use, but would prefer to have the correct details for it please, ie the settings on top for the clutch etc.
Thanks in advance
Kryn

[Silversprings]

G'day, did you ever get an answer to your question? I wouldn't mind a bit of info on the same Piper chuck. Cheers, Tony.

[KBs PensNmore]

Hi Tony, no I didn't get any replies at all, still looking. Seems Google can't give any help, unless I'm punching in the wrong information!!!!
Have emailed Piper in the hope that they'll be able to supply some information, will let you know IF I receive any.
Kryn

[Silversprings]

Hi Tony, no I didn't get any replies at all, still looking. Seems Google can't give any help, unless I'm punching in the wrong information!!!!
Have emailed Piper in the hope that they'll be able to supply some information, will let you know IF I receive any.
Kryn
Mmm...you would think someone on the forum would have some info - if it exists. Perhaps Piper didn't supply any literature with the chuck. I am often amazed at what Google searches dredge up, however (like you) I have found very little on the Piper chuck. If I find anything I'll scan and put it up on the forum.
Thanks for the quick reply.

Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

[Silversprings]

Kryn, I picked mine up from Gumtree (this morning) and it may be a different model to yours. There seem to be 2 vintages of the same model, and I suspect I have the older of the two. Photo below.
368422
This one appears in the No. 66 edition of the McPhersons catalogue - see below. It is not clear to me if it has an adjustable clutch, but I don't think it does. The newer version of the No.2 does (I think).
368423
There is a thread on this forum where Anorak Bob has some good photos, external and internal, of the version of the chuck I now have. You've probably already seen these in your searching. I was particularly interested in the Piper 'optional' attachment which holds a button die. He has put up some good photos of this little gadget - per photo below. Not sure how many of these are still in captivity, but I might be tempted to turn one up!
368424
The bloke I bought mine off was closing down his engineering business so no longer had a need for it. He told me it 'works a treat'. I asked what sort of spindle speeds he would recommend, he said he just put it in his normal bench drill press and tapped away quite happily at relatively fast speeds......I would worry about tap breakages, but I am yet to use it in anger, so maybe it will work a treat for me too! (he had 3 CNC machines in the shop, so I guess he was used to doing things at speed; he could probably afford to buy quality taps too)
Cheers, Tony

[KBs PensNmore]

Hi Tony, thanks for the information. I followed the link to Bob's post, but nothing showed up. The attachment looks great, definitely need to make one of them.
Have added a pic of my unit, which going by your information is possibly a later model.
Will need to make some special pin spanners, to be able to adjust the clutches, I think.
368437
Piper have asked for a picture of the tapper, to be able to give the right operating instructions.
368438
Kryn

[Silversprings]

Thanks for the picture. Yes, this is a different version, and I have seen it around the web in addition to the one I have. I am pretty sure your version has an adjustable clutch, and yes, you need a tool. I found your version in a McPhersons catalogue (I've got quite a few; they are hard to date as they didn't include much/any date related info). Shows the tool and it looks like they came with a depth stop.
368439

After I put up the last post, I looked up a 1992 Blackwoods catalogue and to my surprise, they listed the unit I have. That would suggest it was available new, relatively recently. So now I am not sure which version is newer/older. I am sure there are others on the forum who could easily clarify this. Don'st suppose it matters much....more curious than anything else.

Re the button die optional attachment. Not quite sure how to post a link to another thread...but here goes: http://metalworkforums.com/f223/t198870-piper-2-reversible-tapping-chuck#post1902607 Have a look at that and hopefully it gets you to Anorack Bob's post, and his pictures. I reckon there is enough detail in the pictures to be able to nut out how to make your own version of this gadget. if you have any trouble with finding it, let me know and I can re-post the pictures (as I saved them on my PC). When I get a minute, I'll knock up a drawing and have a go at making it. If it all works OK, I'll post the results for others. You might beat me to it.

[KBs PensNmore]

Thanks for the update Tony, working OK and I can see it all.
Looks like I've not only the tool to make, but the depth stop as well. It'll be a while before I can look at making the Button Die Attachment, there doesn't appear to be an attachment for it though, so some innovating will be required.
Hopefully someone will chime in and give me an approx manufacturing period as to when it was made?
Some years ago I made a button die holder for doing a special job where a standard one wouldn't fit, like in U Bolts, it was powered by the Armstrong method, brute force and ignorance. Worked quite well, had to make it for a job where the bolt heads were welded from behind and the threads needed cleaning, I've since cut it up for a similar purpose, as it was too long to fit where I needed it. Will take a photo of it when I dig it out next, others might be interested in seeing it?
I made it from 1" hollow bar, for a 1" button die.
Kryn

[.RC.]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucMHk-wJdbQ

[KBs PensNmore]

Finally got a reply from Pipers.
"That model hasn’t been made for around 40 years; we have no information on it.
Regards,
John Cameron
Piper Tools Pty. Limited."

So, I'm still no better off, knowledge wise with this tapper. Eventually someone in a few years time will buy one, still in the wooden box, with destruction's on which settings for a particular tap, and reply to this thread. In the mean time I'll work off the S I and S method. (Suck it and See)
Thanks everyone for the comments.
Kryn

[Silversprings]

Mmm....not much help. You'd think they would have something in their archives, their web site banner says they have been supplying the industry for over 70 years. It would not have been that hard to have a download link on their website for their product manuals/brochures, both new and old. Dawn, for example, seem to remember their heritage and loyal users on their website.
Yes, the SI&S method is your best resort.
I have pressed mine into service and couldn't be happier that I have added this latest tool to improve productivity. I have permanently installed it on my old/spare mill; set the spindle speed to 90rpm (lowest) and it all seems to work OK. I'd feel more comfortable with a clutch (like yours) to save the day if things go pear shaped. I think sharp taps and cutting fluid are the go.
Cheers, Tony