Preferred thread size for 2-3” boxes

[Webb Willmott]

I would like to give it a try at threaded boxes. What would be your preferred thread size?

 

[John K Jordan]

I used 16tpi on the Baxter Thread Master for the Ebony boxes in the picture.



I also have 12tpi, 16tpi, and 20tpi hand thread chasers. 20tpi is almost too fine. 12tpi is pretty coarse, ok for larger things.

Some things about threaded boxes

• It's sometimes better to use fewer threads than more. It's nicer to twist a lid on with 2 turns than with 6.
• Hard, strong, fine-grained wood cuts cleaner than some softer and coarser grained wood.
• It can be tricky to calculate the diameters.
• Threading end-grain boxes is recommended. And from very dry wood.
• A different wood for the lid eliminates the effort of perfectly aligning the figure.
• If chasing threads, Mark StLeger recommended practicing on PVC pipe. Mark hand chases hollowed halves to make a clever baseball box. https://s3.amazonaws.com/cmwt.production/paperclip/files/145/StLeger.pdf?1328369689

JKJ

 

[john lucas]

I use 16 mostly fir bixes upnton2 1/2" orv3". I have courser threads i use on larger boxes. Allows me to make a looser thread to compensate for wood movement. 20 tpi is used on boxes ear rings under 1".

 

[Ed Jarvis]

John,
What is Ear ring on boxes under 1".