Accusize Industrial Tools - 0-1/4'' Self-Reversing Tapping Head with JT6 Jacobs Taper, Precision Depth Control, for Drill Press, 2600-4002

My wife and I are in the process of starting up a machine shop that specializes in small precision parts in metals and plastics. We have a small CNC VMC in our garage and are manufacturing parts for high technology companies that typically sub contract their "high mix, low volume" or prototype work out to maintain tight schedules in their shops. We like to do our "secondary" work outside our CNC to minimize cycle times and keep busy during "cycle on" time.We are trying to keep our budget under control where we can and Procunier or Tapmatic tapping heads though smooth and reliable were also in the $800 range and was a place where we decided to save some money.I was skeptical because, to be honest, the unit "looks" like a "knockoff" or "counterfeit".Let's be clear, it doesn't look as polished or high end as the two previously mentioned brands but the operation is professional, repeatable and smooth. I've tapped 4-40 to ¼-20, I've even tapped 10-24 and fine threads, coarse threads tap smoothly with precision and repeatability. Tapping blind holes to proper and repeatable depths is no problem. The instructions explain exactly how much the tap advances after reaching the quill stop so you can control the tapping depth. The amount it advances is .140", just to let you know and it's precise! By the way if you need to tap left hand threads go ahead, the torque are simply rests against the right side of your torque stop, no modification required.The first few hundred holes were a little stiff and it took a little while to "break in" but after that this tool was as good as the Tapmatic 30x I use at work. By the way, the rubber and steel flex collets are numbered like the Jacobs ones and I suspect are the same. Like the 30x there are no back jaws, just two opposing set screws. The reason I mention this is because it's obvious this is a direct alternative for the Tapmatic 30x and so far it's been most satisfactory!The clutch is adjustable like the Tapmatic and I still have to give it more time but so far we're really happy with it. If it lasts for a few months we can justify a Tapmatic but I am optimistic this Accusize tapping head is going to last a long time as it seems to be a very good value.We've tapped about 1,200 holes so far and based on how it operates I think it's going to last for a long while. Honestly I can afford a Tapmatic or Procunier head with the amount of work we're already doing but right now we're happy saving money.It's a decent looking tool too, something you'll be proud to have in your shop. If you drill holes that are properly sized, use high quality taps and use good metal cutting fluids such as Tap Magic or equivalent, this tapping head will cut threads as well as heads that cost twice the price.

I have purchased a number of Accusize products, collets, counterbores, broaches and tool holders and have been very pleased with quality and usability. This product, however, was a total letdown.. it struggled to drive a 1/4-20 tap through 1/2 inch aluminum, with the torque setting at max, it still struggled and I had to plunge several times to make the threads. I disassembled the unit to make sure something wasn't simply broken, but all was fine and ample grease. I believe the problem is a design flaw.

Worked well and as described. We tapped over 2400, 5mm holes the first day we had it.

Works perfectly for tapping holes. The blue plastic cases dosnt come with this tool tho. You can tap holes safely and fast with this set up.

Jammed right up into my MT2 spindle and stuck good. Wedged out just as easily. Nice delicate feel. It makes you fast!

had a problem with the the unit, it was resolved the same day.

Seized up after about 200 tapped holes

Works amazing!!!