Whether you are cutting threads for a piece of metal or other material, a thread cutting machine can make your task much easier. A thread cutting machine is a device that cuts threads for a workpiece without the need for rechucking. In order to cut a thread, you first set up the workpiece in the chuck or collet. Then you feed the cutter bit into the workpiece. The tool should be set square to the workpiece and the bit should be ground flat. You can use a micrometer to determine the width of the tool point. If you are using a square thread form, the length of the tool point will vary depending on the number of threads per inch.

A thread cutting machine uses a lead screw to drive the carriage. The lead screw can be reversed for left hand threading or reversed for right hand threading. The lead screw is driven by a pair of gears. The gears are connected to the workpiece spindle through a bearing housing. The housing is secured to the workpiece spindle by threaded bolts. The speed of the thread cutting device is controlled by the ratio between the rotational speed of the cam element 38 and the rotational speed of the workpiece spindle. This rotational speed is also determined by the cam disks and is related to the lengthwise movement of the thread cutting device. The spindle speed can be adjusted to the size of the workpiece and the type of material being cut. A slower spindle speed produces accurate threads and extends the life of the die. The die head must be cleaned to prevent accumulation of sludge and foreign material.