Woodturning Hand Chase Threads + Three Plus Critical Tips

Threading can be intimidating. Expensive wood, fine detail, high risk for destroying a project.

What to do?

1. Separate threading from the main project. Thread an insert. While inserts can be purchased, with a little practice, you can make your own.
2. Use common woods such as cherry, poplar, maple in a segmented disk for your insert. These are sustainable woods that do not deplete the rain forest.
3. Overcome fear of threading: In this video, we address how to train yourself to the appropriate rhythm for threading and how to avoid double threading.

BTW, for a 16 tpi, the distance from the peak of a thread to its valley is about .08 of an inch. For 10 tpi - ~ .13; for 20 tpi .065.

Threading tools come mainly in in 10, 16, and 20 threads per inch (tpi) and are available at Craft Supplies USA, Amazon and others.

I lubricated the threads with walnut oil.

Enjoy!

Music: Traumerei by Shumann performed by Becky Schlappi. Used with permission.

#wood threads #chaseThreads #segmentedWoodturning #threading #HandChaseThreads #woodworking #woodturning #woodturningprojects #lathe #AlanStratton #video #DIY

[matthewharvey]

"fear of threading" is exactly it!!!

[kenharper]

Good points on thread chasing. Thanks

[glencrandall]

Lots of good points in this video. I especially like the tip on making the threads in a segmented ring. Thank you for sharing. I am taking your advice and doing my best to stay safe.

[RayShaw]

Really good tips. Haven't done any thread chasng for . . . a long time! I think my reluctance is a confidence matter more than anything but there's really not much lost if, as you suggest, you make a collar or insert as the female thread. Like the suggestion of 'thread and test' cos double threading is easy to achieve!!! Well done. Short vid and very, very useful. It's challenged me to make a collar and top for a large hollow form I did some time ago. Thanks.

[roberthornwoodturner]

Thanks for the primer. It will help when I get up the gumption to start using my 2 year old threading set!

[MikePeaceWoodturning]

I said I would never do segmenting work but this may make a liar out of me. Whether going to the trouble of segmenting the blanks makes more sense than using an exotic remains to be seen from someone that does not already segment. Whether it is better is a judgement call not all hand chasers will agree on. One threading issue worth mentioning is the need for a recess if you are not turning into an open area like a collar. The male piece will need a recess for sure.

[jimremus]

No one has mentioned before this about the double threading. Great point.

[alanmullock]

Good tips Alan! I like to thread chase at lower speeds, 350-450rpm seems good for my best results👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[scottleech]

Great advice, thanks for all the work you do to advance turning

[peterfabricius]

Nice demo Alan. There is certainly a mystery about threading. I have a Threading Jig that is capable of making two start threads that make it really easy to screw on a lid. The sale of inserts has just been started by RonBrown’s Best for those not wanting to do their own. I have not had any requests but I could certainly produce custom inserts if wanted.

[DKWalser]

Excellent advice. I particularly liked the suggestion to use a segmented ring so that the threads are cut in face grain.

Question: What are your thoughts on stabilizing the wood that will be threaded? A small segmented ring wouldn't require much resin to stabilize. Once stabilized, I would think the thread chasing would be even easier and the threads would be more durable.

[markbaldwin]

Thanks for this video, i especially like it. Ive always been interested in how to do this. I think a threaded lid would really set a piece apart.

[josephwise]

I have wanted to try threading, didn't know what tools to try. Allso whether there was a thread pitch better than another. Still looking into it.

[NIWA]

What was the liquid you used on the male threads?