Thread Depth, Tool Tip Width and Length of Cut NO TRIG NEEDED

This video illustrates the importance of a proper threading tool tip flat and will show you how to achieve your thread depth and length without the need for trig or conversions to compensate for different compound angle settings. Take a look.

[@charlescartwright6367]

Aloha Joe, Where were you 50 years ago when I needed you?? Great information and now to see if this old dog can learn a new trick!!!!

[@joepie221]

I was 8 playing with matchbox cars. I got here as soon as I could. Thanks for watching.

[@razorworks9942]

You nailed it.....Too funny! I knew we were about the same age...DAMN IT... I'm older....Off to cry now!!!!

[@tobydulanski3000]

Always good to see you in the shop, no matter what color shirt, demonstrating real life machining. You're a cut above the rest so to speak Joe. Thank you!!!!

[@joepie221]

Many thanks.

[@wk7060]

I spent 40 years as a machinist and enjoy every one of your videos. Thanks!

[@multicraftman]

Hi Joe I'm just the old retired guy that plays in the shop when it's not too hot or too cold. In other words, not a machinist. I was a little lost at first about running the cross slid in and running the compound in and setting to zero. When my brain made the connection that we were setting the depth with the cross slid and running the compound in to that depth and setting it to zero, I said WOW, I just learned something new from Joe. Thanks Buddy

[@joepie221]

This will give you more control and the trig stays out of it. Thanks for watching.

[@codyrasberry4132]

That was one of the coolest tips I've seen. It totally eliminates any guess work of using the compound. It's amazing how something so simple can make life so much easier.

[@joepie221]

Someday, someone will rewrite the book to include all this stuff. Shop teachers nowadays should watch you tube once in a while. But thank God for shop teachers everywhere. I'm grateful.

[@littleworkshopofhorrors2395]

There is an book by Martin Cleeve called "screw cutting in the lathe", part of the Workshop Practice series, that lists a number of different techniques, one similar to this video but not your away from the chuck way.

[@imysteryman]

HUH WOW Mr Piecsynski I can't wait till I get a chance to use this info. I sit here like ET sucking it all in and loving every second of it. I never realized how the width of the tip of the threading tool was so important, I do NOW. John Fink

[@joepie221]

Outstanding. Its very important. Like I said, smaller is safer. Thanks for the comment.

[@johngates1450]

Just discovered your channel Joe and am happy I did. Love someone who has done it practically and knows how to take the mystery out.

[@joepie221]

It really helps to teach the why and how at the same time. Thanks for the comment.

[@normanmay9339]

Your method of machining is based on what is expedient and required, no more. You have spent a great deal of time over the years eliminating the BS to arrive at what works and is timely. Your comment about liking to work with a zero instead of a number backs up my theory. You, like me and almost anyone else, can remember a zero. It's not an arbitrary positive or negative number spawned in the depths of the universe that is almost impossible to recall with consistent accuracy. Zero is simple and direct much like your methods of using the tool or machine. Kudos to you Sir.

[@joekline3584]

Great Video. Been a machinist for 60 years and I love your channel!

[@joepie221]

Thank you for that. I believe our work experience can let us all learn from each other.

[@dacoelec]

Thank you for clarifying something that always seemed completely stupid to me and that is the preoccupation with the compound that too many people seem to have. Cutting threads from left to right in reverse is simply the bomb too. Love your common sense approach!!!

[@ReignOterror]

It is obvious to me that you have done this once or twice in the past :-) That was great Joe, it's the art of machining. Thanks!

[@joepie221]

Just a few times for sure. The thread on this video was truly the first time I threaded towards the head in over 30 years.

[@alfonse4595]

The more recent model engineering type machining videos are really awesome for sure. I have totally enjoyed them. But this type of real-world machining, theory + practical videos is what I always loved about the Joe Pie channel. I have been on a kick lately of going back watching some of the older ones again.

[@joepie221]

I appreciate your support and comment. I hope you find real world value in all of my material.

[@dolata000]

I have enjoyed the heck out of your videos because I love math - trig, algebra, calc... all of it. But I really love the short cuts that allow you to do the work without resorting to trig. Nothing like throwing away the calculators and using good old Euclidean geometry to make it quick and easy. By the way, thanks to you I now have balls of steel in the shop. No kidding! After watching your video on measuring holes using ball bearings I got a bunch of different sized ball bearings and have been finding all sorts of ways to use them to help measure things. I guess that's the definition of "inspirational". You have inspired me to be better. Thanks

[@markgrevatt4867]

Hi joe im really enjoying your videos. Specially since I'm not a machinist or engineer. My grandfather was an engineer in Gibraltar back in the day when ships was built. I admired him alot. He was given a large medal from the Gibraltar government for his long term years he spent with the company. During the war up until the middle of the 70s. he started from the very bottom and worked all the way up to being one of the bosses. He treated all his Co workers with respect & he was liked by all. And when he came to retirement it was the guys that put in for his great service of gratitude of thanks that the government gave him a gold medal. The ships he helped built was astonishing as well as the planes he put back into service after the second world war.. I' miss him so much. I wish he was still around to share his experience with me on working with a lathe.. But I'm certainly learning alot from you joe. I can't wait to get my new engineering lathe up and running. Your videos and your long term experience is worth a great deal and is so valuable to people like me that' has a great deal to learn. . Thanks so much for these videos and the time you put into them and share. I hope some day I get to be proficient. On my lathe. A thousand thanks joe. Your the best buddy. Hope you get well soon my friend.

[@StraightThread]

Good explanation of a great method! I came across that method several years ago and thought it was brilliant--simple, direct and no math. I wondered why more people don't use it. The tidbit about using the relief cut to measure the PD is genius: two wires are much easier to manage than three. Big thumbs up!

[@joepie221]

Keep that one a secret. That's good trick when someone looses a wire out of the set, or you want to mess with the next guy in line. Thanks for the comment.

[@darlgilliland2388]

Spent my Navy time and most of my working life in tool shop and heavy machine shops. Now retired and volunteer at the aircraft restoration center at Kalamazoo Avation Museum. Love your Vidios. Darl Gilliland

[@joepie221]

Thanks.

[@CyclesInc]

Joe I just subscribed a day or two ago. I love your professional setup approaches that you show in your videos and the way you video them also. I have been a machinist for 50 years and can appreciate what you show. Proper setup is one of the most important things in machining. Cutting chips does not make you great machinist. Setup, technique and efficiency does. You have good knowledge and teaching skills. Nice to see that being shared with the rest of the world. Every time I see someone threading into the work I feel the stress just watching. I don't know why anyone would put that stress on themselves plus take the chance of ruining a piece. I sometimes put an indicator against the toolpost to get my depth of cut. That takes a different setup for thread length if critical. I also use the method you just described without an indicator except I use my crossslide (that has a thread stop) to retract my tool. I still use the compound to feed in except for my finish cut. They both work no trig needed.

[@ian9toes]

You're a great teacher Joe. The bit where you show how no trig is needed I had to watch twice before getting the aha moment, that's always a good moment, thanks.

[@ytmachx]

I have never used this way of threading, but I will now. Thanks Joe!

[@joepie221]

Get some wires and keep them close.

[@yosmith1]

So many nuggets of information! I'm gonna go out and thread something, and then figure out what to use it for :) Thanks for sharing, neighbor!

[@joepie221]

That's great. Howdy back at ya neighbor.

[@roughrooster4750]

Very good explanation. Like your no-nonsense approach. Keep the tips coming!North of you in Comanche, County Texas.

[@joepie221]

Fluff is for pillows. I'll shoot these like you were sitting in front of me. Glad you like it.

[@wjenkins96]

Most helpful videos about machining on KZbin

[@tomthumb3085]

As ever; you don’t merely show what’s needed but go to great lengths to explain “WHY” it’s needed. This is always the best way for anyone to grasp the idea. Fascinating video. I enjoy your work, and always look forward to the next video. Thanx.

[@joepie221]

Thank you. My style of teaching comes from my preferred style of learning. I am a very visual person when it comes to grasping new methods. I also remember how it felt to be presented with new material and try to keep it enjoyable.

[@georgeliquor2931]

Joe Pieczynski the no nonsense shop teacher, thanks for your efforts to make us better machinists.

[@paulhudik4836]

you do fabulous work Joe P. Always look forward to watching your videos with then pop up

[@paulades9857]

What a well-crafted and planned lesson and demo! Good job, Joe. If it was your intention to confuse and mislead us with ambiguity, technical double-speak, and unfathomable jargon, you failed miserably. Combined with your previous lessons on reverse threading and "angle" advancement with the compound slide, you've given me a useful education on the single-point threading process.

[@joepie221]

There is one final element to cover, and its the most basic yet. Actually engaging the half nut. Stay tuned.

[@joepie221]

Oh....I'll try harder on the whole confusion thing. I hate to fail ! Thanks for the comment.

[@razorworks9942]

Well said Paul, but I'm a little slow here, cause I'm soooo confused!!!! Maybe cause I'm a newb. But I do like what this man is putting out there! I'll have to watch it a bunch of times I guess. Wish me luck! Razor!

[@debodevil6974]

"Smallest tip gets the nod"... If only my wife thought the same as you Joe!!! Love from the UK

[@robertoswalt319]

I appreciate your style of instruction. I took metal shop in the mid 70s and loved it. I have recently purchased a small lathe mill combo and am using the techniques I have learned as I try to desires after a stressful work day. Please keep up the great videos. (Lubbock native)

[@joepie221]

I too took metal shop in the 70's and haven't missed a day since. Its in my blood.

[@rtkville]

Good one Joe! You are a good teacher and I will be using this trick from now on. Thank you!

[@mikebrowne5152]

Been using this method for about a year now. What a time saver! Takes all the guess work out of threading on a lathe. Thanks for all the great information! 👍

[@MrCrispinEnterprises]

Great Video, I like your suggestion at the end about setting your pitch diameter by measuring the initial groove.

[@joepie221]

Two wires are easier to handle than 3. Thanks for checking in Crispin.

[@craigtate5930]

I have watched so many of your videos over the last 2 years. I can't believe I missed this one. Great approach

[@joepie221]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DanielHernandez-yr2sn]

Thanks again. I’m just starting out on the lathe so all this is great information. Your online classes are excellent!

[@loganpe427]

Mr. Pieczynski, hi, I'm new to your channel and I see I've got allot of watching to do! I look forward to it! Thanks for your efforts here!

[@thomasgrimes922]

Thanks for the expedited response. You have a special talent to teach commonly used techniques and explain why things go wrong - brilliant. You also reveal time-saving tricks of the trade. It is very much appreciated. I look forward to watching your videos.

[@twocan90]

Hey Joe: Thanks for sharing your boundless knowledge and thorough understanding of how to use a lathe to make miracles. You make my learning curve steep and successful. Merry Christmas, Capt. Art

[@TomPaulCarter]

An excellent video and finally everything has dropped into place after watching all sorts of other videos on thread cutting - good job Joe.

[@joepie221]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markwentland3147]

Joe i really like how you present your ideas and tricks of the trade, i was in the trade for awhile and it never dawned on me to thread toward the tail stock or use the crossslide in the way you did in this video so i learned something for sure THX !!

[@MatthewHolevinski]

Joe, as a licensed, registered, and certified moron I can honestly tell you that I instantly understood what you were trying to convey. I don't know a lick about machine shop stuff, but it seems like a pretty simple concept to grasp (without even finishing the video yet). Use a part as a back stop, turn 1 wheel back x amount say 3 turns, now goto another wheel set at some funny angle and see how many turns it takes to get to your backstop say 5 turns then make a mark or set a zero, now back way off, get all setup and start turning the second wheel till you get back to your zero. Seems to me that there might be a great lack of common sense out there or over complication of a great many things, but to me maybe just a simple foundational understanding of how ones tool(machine) works is all anyone ever really needs.

[@pacquetman]

Thanks again, Joe! I love it when the light comes on ...

[@907jl]

Thought that I'd watched all your videos Joe, but somehow missed this one. Outstanding!

[@steventhompson3507]

I hope you know that your a star Joe between mainly yours and just a few other vids you helped me set up and keep as small Machining department running, comprising of a bridgeport milling machine a harrison m300 lathe and there is an EDM machine that I dabbled with, that they've now upgraded, though they took another guy on to do that because I was snowed under with work tasks. I really liked the video about setting the compound to precise angles within a few minutes, not kidding though I had to watch and listen over and over again and even then sort of get my head around what you were doing actualy on the machine. Then I turned a tapered bung which matched the spindle taper precisely off the back of that learning. Thanks Joe.

[@edlappin7707]

excellent presentation, I like this method!! the simplicity is elegant! Thank you for all you do.

[@NRDavis-wl8vn]

Yup, I learned something and with all the threads I've chased, that getting down to the nuts has been a challenge. My life just got a bit easier, Thanks!

[@charleshanse8573]

thanks for your prompt reply , am new to machine work , have learned much from your videos, thanks again.

[@RalfyCustoms]

Genius, so logical and once understood, it's so straightforward, thanks Joe

[@joepie221]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sorocsabers7669]

im just starting to learn how to use my lathe. I got me a 14 -40 lathe and all of your videos have been very informative and i really appreciate the break down and demonstrations you provide. Thank you

[@michaelcameron8594]

Favorite You Tube machinist, Thank you!!!!!

[@longbellycaster]

Cut my first nice thread today, this vid was extremely helpful!

[@alanbradley3196]

Well this was a very informative demo on thread cutting ..everyday is a school day ..great videos joe ,keep em comin.... And hope you have a great new year ...2020.

[@frittsm6417]

Well done Joe. I started my working life as a machinist, served an apprenticeship and stayed in the trade for ten more years. Great to see your channel keeps my brain working.

[@majoeone]

Well Done Joe !!!! I love watching your videos, I always learn something useful, Thank you and keep them coming :-)

[@nicelez]

I have been studying this and have to agree this is a REEEEALLY smart way to do this. Let the precision of the lathe do the math. Glad this is still on here for reference.

[@dpbeardslee]

Hey Joe! I love the board! I don't see many other youtubers using a board, and it really helps to understand what's going on. Between that and the hands on demos, it's really effective instruction. Keep up the good work and great videos. God knows how many video apprentices you've got out there. ;-)

[@littleworkshopofhorrors2395]

It seems to me there are two types of machinists, those who only do things the way they were shown, and those with a brain. You are of course in the second class! Keep 'em coming, it is a good teacher that encourages people to try to break away from ages of hide bound, thoughtless, follow-my-lead dogma.

[@joepie221]

Thank you. I'll give you the theory and show you one application ( or 10 ). After that, the sky is the limit. Thanks for the compliment.

[@littleworkshopofhorrors2395]

I shall relate a little story many years ago I was demonstrating threading at an exhibition and using the straight in method, several oldies commented that you can't do that, it's not the way I was taught. Then another piped up that he was taught to top slide feed but on his first job after his apprenticeship the foreman told him to stop wasting his time and go straight in, he never looked back.Moral of the story,never believe the first person who tells you something, at least not without further research.Oh and follow my leader is how you get myths, so THINK for yourself.

[@joepie221]

I like that. So true. Thanks for the comment.

[@littleworkshopofhorrors2395]

Anytime, I appreciate people who think for themselves, ie like minded folk.

[@razorworks9942]

I've lived my whole life thinking, there's got to be a better way!! Good to know I have company....

[@jasen963]

Thank you Joe I have learned so much watching your channel. You have got a lot of good techniques makes life easier

[@joepie221]

Thanks for watching.

[@niltonpolydoro1]

Very nice!! Another great vídeo. Keep doing more like this. Here in Brazil we love to learn with you. Congratulations.

[@bernieshort6311]

Thank you Joe, another good and valuable insight into a different way to screw cut ensuring accuracy. Like you I don't use the 30 deg on my compound slide, I plunge straight in because that was the way I was taught in my apprentice. Having said that it is always nice to learn different ways to do a job. Thank you for sharing. Bernie from the UK.

[@dennyskerb4992]

Hey Joe, great video. Had to watch it twice but, I learned something new. Thx

[@michaelcostello6991]

Thank you. Appreciate the advice that you always thread away from the chuck. The less chance of messing up and loosing my job the better.

[@KingLoopie1]

Thanks for all of the free training and tricks in all of your videos, Joe! I'm just a beginner, but this looks like a really handy, repeatable method, especially when reversed to do inside threads. Thanks again! /Dave

[@ScottGMerritt]

Excellent again, Joe. Love it.

[@joepie221]

Thank you

[@CharlieParker1959]

A great video Joe real interesting it is nice to have metods explained the shown in operation it puts it into your head properly Thanks for doing such a series. God bless.....

[@Okie-Tom]

Great job. I always love to learn new methods of doing something that makes it easier. Tom

[@joepie221]

I've suffered enough for all of us. I'm glad to share.

[@tumbleweeeeeed]

Hi Joe - Enjoy all of your videos very much. You said, "Whatever works for you", so I'd like to share mine. Back in the day in a busy shop where we were cutting all kinds of random threads every day, I never messed around with compound slide angles at all - just left it 90 degrees to the cross-slide. Sharpened the tool to 55 degrees (our part of the world dealt with a lot of English stuff). Then just take each cut, 5 thou in, and 3 thou on the compound. Then to finish, 2 thou in and 1 on the compound. Quick and easy. Got to keep the boss happy, and just get 'er done.

[@stephenmetsch6316]

Very clever and well presented. You're a pro.

[@shichae]

Thanks Joe, the “Returning to Zero” phrase makes sense now!

[@joecnc3341]

Thanks for another great video, Joe Pi.

[@charrontheboatman]

Hey Joe. another Gr8 video out for us Newbies to watch!.. awesome technique... I don't have much trouble doing the trig for threads, but I know a Lot of blokes who do... so on their behalf thanks so much!, best wishes to you and yours...

[@klaaskeekstra1335]

great lesson Joe, made perfect sense, try it out first thing tomorrow

[@flintstoneengineering]

You're good at this.....much appreciated!

[@bemonchastine3054]

Thanks again I'm teaching myself and you are the best !

[@ajofscott]

I like this idea a lot. Takes away all of the worry about crashing into the head.

[@noystell]

Thank you for the idea Joe

[@paulshermet535]

Glad I watched this again. i have a screw on chuck, sucks to be me with an Atlas lathe made in the 50's, but I paid $125 then added a 6" 3 jaw and a 4 jaw that costs the same as the lathe for each. Still learning from ALL of your vids. Thanks, Happy New Year from Canada.

[@niklnikl1]

Thank you Joe. I love this method, it's so simple. You're the man!

[@joepie221]

Thanks. It totally eliminates trig. Make sure to double check with a hard gage, pitch mic or wires. If you haven't yet, watch my other thread videos. they really break it down for you. be sure to hit the subscribe button too, and tell 500 of your closest friends.

[@joepie221]

By the way, I just saw Gary Clark Jr. The man can bring it!!

[@lionpauu7360]

Excellent as always, thanks for sharing your experience.

[@joepie221]

A freind of mine once said "it impossible to know what you don't know". I hope some of my videos make you all better and safer operators. Thanks for watching.

[@mxriderwrence]

thanks again joe, always something good in your videos

[@joepie221]

Thank you

[@JRock17991]

Brilliant. I learned a lot from this video. Thanks. I use this when I thread now.

[@peterparsons3297]

excellent, never thought of it that way. tried a few times in my shop saves load of time and agro..... thanks

[@brentmcfadden944]

Great opening tune! The workshop also! Thxs!

[@ke6bnl]

Another great video, I am just a hobbiest and you sure have a knack for teaching, even at my non pro level I am learning so much. This is my new technique for threading

[@joepie221]

Thanks. I'm glad this helped. Good luck.

[@dougankrum3328]

...Just recently found your channel...thanks for making these excellent videos...! I've spent all my working years doing electrical and welding stuff...but now 'retired' and looking to get into some machining....most of my welding was as 'the Welder' in a couple or 3 machine shops (both fabrication and repair)...so I'm familiar with all the machines....just need to learn how to run them effectively....

[@felixcosty]

Thanks for the video. I like your thought process, how to use the machine to do the work for you. This makes sense to my CNC trained mind. Would love to see a video on how you do OD/ID threads left and right handed go from the head stock out. Have a day

[@joepie221]

I'm actually editing the ID video. The OD video is already up. Its the' best technique ever' video. Take a look.

[@sblack48]

Dang no wonder I always have to fiddle around to get a good thread fit even if I feed in the distance required in the spec! I'm learning a lot from this channel. Thanks so much!

[@joepie221]

Get those wires and learn to use them.

[@sblack48]

Yessir! :-)

[@thomaskessler4585]

Hi Joe, thanks a lot for this gift of wisdom. I learned a lot again, try it out next time. This in combination with inverted cut is a great leap forward. Thanks again, Thomas

[@joepie221]

It should really streamline threading if you use both. Thanks for watching.

[@billy19461]

Thanks for sharing! I found it quite precise and informative. I don't do this for a living and I know a little, but far far from a professional. And I could follow you extremely well. Thanks Joe Pie!

[@joepie221]

My work here is done...................

[@johnbodmer5645]

Excellent Joe. Thanks for the good info.

[@joepie221]

Thanks

[@deezel2826]

I'm a home hobbyist and tried this last night. Worked like a charm! I think I will be using this technique from now on. Thanks!

[@joepie221]

Glad to hear it.

[@craighoo5716]

Great info Joe. Thank you.

[@skeeter50001]

Very good video, Joe excellent information. Wishing you good luck, beating your allergies.

[@joepie221]

Thank you. They'll hang on for a while. I'll just have to halt my singing career till my voice comes back.

[@drumlover1687]

Good video Joe. I totally agree with you. I also prefer using a smaller flat on my threading bits, it's always served me well.

[@stefanclaassen8543]

Hi joe, from what i am seeing and hearing my method of thread cutting is waaay different from the rest. I too believe in the threading tool "flat" being as small as possible, but my compound slide stays linear to the bed of the lathe. We use a formula (for metric) 1.3 x pitch to calculate final depth. When cutting the thread (also towards headstock) i use my compound slide taking 3 cuts per depth adjustment. One centre, one left and one right. The thread is then cut so that the crest and root are the same width. I am in this line of work just over 5 years. I was taught this method and it works for me. But great videos Joe it really helps a lot. P.S. this method is great with two and three start threads as you simply turn the amount of pitch on your compound slide to start the next threading cycle.

[@billyraibourn758]

Thank You Joe. You are the new standard for work on the lathe. Have a prosperous New Year Joe. rngr1

[@joepie221]

Thank you for the compliment. Happy new year to you as well.

[@markgould851]

Another great video and pretty easy to follow, even for a novice like me. Thanks Joe and warm regards from the Netherlands.

[@joepie221]

Regards from Austin Texas. Happy Holidays to you!

[@johntenhave1]

That was most interesting thank you. You are a braver man than I threading at that speed towards the chuck. lovely result.

[@joepie221]

I only did that for the demo. I always thread away from the chuck. 100% of the time.

[@johntenhave1]

Joe Pieczynski you can be assured i will following your example from now on as well...thanks for the logical leap.

[@MrRbt61]

tried this out this evening it works great once you get use to leaving the cross slide alone good job joe

[@bvcxzgt5451]

I can just imagine the moment I realize I just moved the cross-slide, and the cursing that would ensue. I'm going to need to duct tape the cross-slide handle in place or something.

[@samjadaci]

My dear sir, you just thought me how to thread on a lathe! I never did threading on a lathe before, but your video has thought me well. And I absolutely agree that thread cutting away from the spindle is far much better than towards the spindle. Thank you so very much

[@joepie221]

Thanks for watching. be sure to also watch my other videos - "Threading on a manual Lathe - Best Technique ever" and "Engaging a halfnut made easier". These will expand your new knowledge of threading. Good luck.

[@jamesdavis8021]

Another great video.Thank you.After viewing your previous threading video, I will never thread toward the headstock again.

[@thomaswoodrow529]

Woody W. Joe, like you I don't thread with the compound, this is the best, most concise, vid. on threading I have ever seen. Short and to the point. As far as threading away from the head stock, why would anyone do otherwise? I cannot recall how I discovered it but it is one of the biggest stress relievers known to man! Your videos are incredible, please keep them coming.

[@joepie221]

Thank you. I will keep them coming as long as I can.