Re: Speaking of Blacksmithing

"Bob La Londe"  wrote in message news:102n23o$124vc$1@dont-email.me...
On 6/15/2025 10:56 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:

Today's flea market treasure is a lightly used Ridgid 65-RA 1" to 2" adjustable pipe threading die.
https://www.zoro.com/ridgid-manual-pipe-threaders-1-in-to-2-in-rod-no- rod-bolt-no-bolt-36565/i/G2941495/?
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That's an expensive bit of kit.
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Over $1000 new, much less on eBay, comments complain that they are heavy and awkward. This one was from an estate IIRC and he asked and got $10. It's an old model, closer examination showed no chips or oil to indicate that it's ever been used.
Instead of tapered cutters it moves straight ones outward with cams as the thread progresses, since it clamps to the pipe and has a positive screw feed. There are suggestions it can cut NPS straight threads somehow, and adjust the depth of cut.
Apparently if you purposely misadjust the pipe clamp stops it can cut a drooping or slightly angled thread to ensure positive drainage in the pipe. The newer model eliminates that option/mistake.
I use 2" pipe for hoists and inch and above for mechanical structures like a swiveling and rising solar panel mount. 1" pipe is the largest that fits in my lathe spindle bore.
It was an interesting visit. I chatted with a woman promoting her self-help book and a man selling his tool invention. Neither was close to a profit, which reinforced my decision not to make and peddle my ideas. I mentioned my sink spray for the shower online and later saw a version in Home Depot, but it didn't sell. Apparently the constant droning about climate change is all talk and no action.
Almost the only 3D printed items I see for sale are fantasy figures, very rarely something useful. The practical items are still wood or ceramic, fabric or leather. I haven't seen anything from a home machine shop.