Heres my technique for starting your tap straight in 7/8 tubing, if you don't have access to a lathe. Get about an inch or 2 of 1/2 inch RIGID conduit, it has an OD of 7/8" and ID of 5/8 inch. cut square. Get a 5/8-18 bolt and nut Tighten finger tight , the ID will hold the nut true Tack the nut to the piece of conduit and remove the bolt Go to your local Home depot and get a 1/2"RIGID threadless compression coupling Ream the 7/8 156 wall tubing to 9/16 ID this is fine for a 5/8-18 tap(the true tap drill size is 37/64) Tighten snugly but dont reef down , your guide to one end and the other to your 7/8 tubing. Put the tube in a vice Run the tap in a little at a time going back and forth to get the tap started. Remove the tool and continue tapping the tube 2+ inches Your end of choice will go straight in after you have blown out the shavings from the tube Thanks for looking I hope this helps
Nice ! Simple ! I like it. I've done a few without any guide and got lucky...now I'm gonna make one of these.
Great idea and the best thing is it isn't expensive and needs no special equipment to put it together.
The Jalopy Journal
