THREAD MILLING

A Quick Reference Pocket Guide

Overall Length

Length of Cut

Shank Diameter Cutter Diameter

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 Contents

GENERAL INFORMATION
What We Offer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Understanding Thread Mills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Thread Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 5
Benefits of Thread Mills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 7

PROGRAMMING
G Codes and M Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Climb Milling vs Conventional Milling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Internal Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
External Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Programming Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 - 13
Programming Example: Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 - 17
Programming Example: Tapered Threads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 - 19
Programming Example: AccuThread® T3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 - 23

TECHNICAL REFERENCE
Conversion Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Common Thread Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Tap Drill Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 - 32

APPLYING THE THREAD MILL

Tool Holding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
General Purpose Speed and Feed Recommendations . . . . . . . . . 34 - 41
AccuThread® T3 Speed and Feed Recommendations . . . . . . . . . 42 - 53
Radial Passes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 - 55
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 - 57

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 1

 What We Offer

AccuThread® 856
Solid Carbide

ThreadMills USA™
Solid Carbide

AccuThread® T3
Solid Carbide

AccuThread® 856
Bolt-in Style Indexable Inserts

AccuThread® 856
Pin Style Indexable Inserts

Insta-Code ®

Find your thread mill.

Create your program.
The all new software lets you choose the best thread mill product for your
application and create the program code for your machine. Insta-Code is
available as a PC download app (that can be used offline) and an online web
app available 24/7 at www.alliedmachine.com/InstaCode.

Eliminate the wait. Get your program now.

Online Version Download Version Offline Version Update

2 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Understanding Thread Mills

A thread mill can be thought of as an end mill with the profile of the thread
on the side. Using multiple axes of a CNC machine allows you to helically
interpolate the thread profile into a work piece.

Unlike a tap, a thread mill has a smaller diameter than the thread size being
produced because the mill must be able to enter into the drilled hole and
interpolate.

Thread milling provides excellent control of the thread’s major diameter

because it can be controlled using the machine’s cutter compensation.

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 3

 Thread Terminology

10

4
2
7

10

4 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Thread Terminology

1 External Thread: The mating part with threads on the external surface.

2 Internal Thread: The mating part with threads on the internal surface.

(Nominal Diameter: The theoretical diameter of the threaded assembly.)

3 Major Diameter: The largest diameter of either the internal or external

thread.

4 Minor Diameter: The smallest diameter of either the internal or external

thread.

5 Pitch Diameter: A theoretical diameter used to correlate the dimensions

between an internal and external thread assembly.

6 Pitch: The distance between like points on a thread and is typically

measured between crests.

7 Thread Depth: The distance from root to crest when measuring

perpendicular to the thread’s axis.

8 Thread Angle: The included angle from crest to root of each thread.

9 Crest: The surface area of each thread’s peak on either an internal or

external thread.

10 Root: The surface area of each thread’s valley on either an internal or

external thread.

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 5

 Benefits of Thread Mills

Right on size!
Using the machine’s cutter
compensation, a thread’s major
diameter can easily be altered to
produce precise threads. Tool life
is increased over common tapping
because wear can be compensated
when using thread mills.

No more broken taps!

When taps break it can be very costly to
salvage the work piece. If a thread mill
breaks during a cut, a new thread mill
can re-enter into the hole and start from
the beginning with very little time lost.
Producing threads in large or expensive
parts is no longer a risk. A presetter is
suggested for tool height accuracy.

Multiple diameters? No problem.

A thread mill is simply an end mill with
the thread form and a specific pitch.
The machine can be programmed
to helically interpolate to the desired
diameter. A 1/4-20 thread mill can
produce a 1/2-20 or even a 7/8-20
thread making it an excellent choice
for uncommon thread sizes or large
diameter threads.

6 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Benefits of Thread Mills

Left and right handed threads

Thread mills are not left hand or right
hand specific. While the thread mill
is interpolating, the thread mill must
move up or down 1 pitch in the Z axis
to create the thread’s helix. If the Z
axis is not moving, the thread mill will
just produce grooves inside of the
Left Right hole. No more ordering a special left
handed tap. One thread mill provides
multiple solutions.

Internal and external threads

Unlike tapping, threads can be milled
inside of the hole or on the outside of
the material; however, not all thread
forms have identical details for their
internal and external mating surfaces.
Some threads may require an internal
Internal External or external specific thread mill.

Low horsepower required

The diameter of a tap is completely
engaged in the hole and requires
more torque especially on large
diameter threads. Cutting large
diameter threads with coarse
pitches becomes even more difficult.
Thread mills only cut a portion of
the circumference at a time which
significantly reduces the torque and
horse power requirements.

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 7

 G Codes and M Codes

G Codes
G00 Send to position with rapid feed
G01 Send to position with linear movement and control by feed
G02 Clockwise circular interpolation
G03 Counter-clockwise circular interpolation
G40 Cutter compensation cancel
G41 Turn on left hand cutter compensation
G42 Turn on right hand cutter compensation
G54-59 Available workpiece coordinate settings
G90 Absolute positioning
G91 Incremental positioning

M Codes
M00 Program stop
M01 Program optional stop
M03 Turn on spindle clockwise direction
M04 Turn on spindle counter-clockwise direction
M05 Turn off spindle rotation
M06 Tool change
M08 Coolant on
M09 Coolant off
M30 Program end and reset to start of program

8 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Climb Milling vs Conventional Milling

When milling a workpiece, the cutting tool can be fed in different directions
along the workpiece. Both directions will achieve material removal but can
have significant effects on the cutting tool and the milled surface.

Climb Milling

Improved Finish and Tool Life

Less Heat:
Chips evacuate away from cutter
faster.

Less Deflection:
Cutting tooth enters the work-
piece in a manner that creates a
chip that’s thicker at the beginning
and thinner at the end.

Conventional Milling

Poor Finish and Tool Life

Increased Heat:
Chips evacuate in front of the
cutting tool, allowing for the chips
to be recut and generate heat.

Less Deflection:
Cutting tooth enters the work-
piece in a rubbing manner that
creates a chip that’s thinner at the
beginning and thicker at the end.

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 9

 Internal Programming

Climb Milling

Z- M03 Z+ M03

G03 G03

Internal left hand thread Internal right hand thread

Conventional Milling

Z+ M03 Z- M03

G02 G02

Internal left hand thread Internal right hand thread

10 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 External Programming

Climb Milling

M03 M03
Z+ Z-

G02 G02

External left hand thread External right hand thread

Conventional Milling

M03 M03
Z- Z+

G03 G03

External left hand thread External right hand thread

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 11

 Programming Guide

What you need to know

• Thread milling can be easily accomplished with simple G code programming
• If your machine is capable of 3 axis (helical) interpolation, you can utilize
thread milling
• Basic programming of a one pass thread mill can be achieved in 6 basic steps

The following are examples of how to calculate and program a 7/16-20 right
hand thread that will be 1/2 deep produced in one pass.

Major thread diameter

0.4375
Major diameter of thread (7/16 = 0.4375)
Threads per inch
20
Number of threads per inch (20 is from 7/16-20 designation)
Length of thread
0.5
Desired length of cut
SFM
475
Recommended surface footage for material to be cut
Feed per flute
0.0025
Recommended feed rate per cutting edge
Number of flutes
4
Number of flutes on tool to be used
Tool diameter
0.335
Diameter of cutting tool

Pre-program notes: The start point for the AMEC program is the X, Y, and Z center of the top of
the hole. Your program should change to the thread mill tool and move it into position. Insert the
thread mill program at each location where the thread mill sequence is desired. The AMEC program
will switch the machine to incremental, machine one pitch, return to the top/center of the hole, and
switch the machine back to absolute.

Helical interpolation reference: When using a G02 or G03 for helical interpolation, the X and Y
values are the landing location for the cutting tool. The I and J values are the center point for the
rotation. The I value is relative to the X starting point, and the J value is relative to the Y starting point.

12 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Programming Guide

Using the information on the previous page, the values can be calculated:

Pitch
0.05
= 1 / thread per inch
RPM
5416
(SFM • 3.82) / Tool diameter
Linear feed
54.16
RPM • Feed per flute • Number of flutes
Feed rate for thread milling
12.69
Linear feed • ((Major thread Ø - Tool Ø) / Major thread Ø)
Z axis move on arc on
0.0063
(Pitch / 8)
Z axis move for full thread
0.5063
(Pitch / 8) + Length of cut
Arc on/off
0.0256
(Major thread diameter - Tool diameter) / 4
Full rotation value
0.05125
(Major thread diameter - Tool diameter) / 2

Major thread diameter 0.4375 Z axis for arc on/off 0.0063

Tool diameter 0.335 Arc on/off value (X,Y) 0.0256

Length of thread 0.5 Full rotation value (X,Y) 0.05125

Feed rate for thread milling 12.69 Pitch value 0.05

Z axis depth for full thread 0.5063

WARNING: The program is based off the center of the tool. No diameter value should be stored in
the machine’s controller for the thread mill. This will cause a machine controller error.

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 13

 Standard Program Example

1 Spindle on | S5416 M03 | Turn on spindle in clockwise direction.

2 Lower tool

G91 G01 Z-0.5063 F50.0

Y+ Lower tool the
(J+) depth required
plus an additional
1/8 pitch for the
arc on.
X+
(I+)
Tool remains in
X-
(I-) center line of hole.

Y-
(J-)

3 Position for arc on

G41 G01 X0.0256 Y0.0256 D1 F3.17

Y+ Position tool for
(J+) the arc on motion
and turn on cutter
compensation.
X+
(I+)
X-
(I-)

Y-
(J-)

14 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Standard Program Example

4 Arc on

G03 X-0.0256 Y0.0256 Z0.0063 I-0.0256 J0.0000 F12.69

Y+ Arc on to engage
(J+) the tool to the
major thread Ø
while moving
the tool up in the
X+
(I+) Z-axis 1/8 pitch.
X-
(I-) NOTE: X and Y is
the end point.
I and J is the
center point of
Y- the arc.
(J-)

5 Full pass (see page #’s for tapered thread example)

G03 X0.0000 Y0.0000 Z0.0500 I0.0000 J-0.0513 F12.69

Y+ Interpolate the
(J+) thread mill inside
the major thread
Ø while moving
the tool up 1 pitch
X+
(I+) in the Z axis.
X-
(I-)

Y-
CONTINUE

(J-)

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 15

 Standard Program Example

6 Arc off

G03 X-0.0256 Y-0.0256 Z0.0063 I0.0000 J-0.0256 F25.38

Y+ Arc off to
(J+) disengage the tool
from the major
thread Ø while
moving the tool up
X+
(I+) in the Z-axis 1/8
pitch.
X-
(I-)

Y-
(J-)

7 Return to center

G40 G01 X0.0256 Y-0.0256 Z0.0000 F50.0

Y+ Turn off cutter
(J+) compensation and
move the tool back
to center.
X+
(I+)
X-
(I-)

Y-
(J-)

16 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Standard Program Example

8 Return to top

G00 Z0.4438
Y+ Rapid the tool
(J+) back to the top of
the threaded hole.

X+
(I+)
X-
(I-)

Y-
(J-)

9 Back to absolute

G90
Switch back to absolute to continue.

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 17

 Programming Tapered Threads

Even though the thread mill is tapered, the thread mill must move out in X
and Y as it moves up in Z. This will allow the tool to follow the taper being
created. The helical interpolation shown in Step 5 on the previous page must
be broken into segments to make the diameter adjustments. Typically, this
adjustment is done in quadrants for simplicity:
5A First quadrant
G03 X-0.1819 Y-0.1815 Z0.0139 I0.0000 J-0.1819
Y+ Move to 9 o’clock
(J+) position, move
Z-axis 1/4 of the
pitch.
X+
(I+)
X-
(I-)

Y-
(J-)

5B Second quadrant
G03 X0.1819 Y-0.1824 Z0.0139 I0.1824 J0.0000
Y+ Move to 6 o’clock
(J+) position, move
Z-axis 1/4 of the
pitch.
X+
(I+)
X-
(I-)

Y-
(J-)

18 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Programming Tapered Threads

5C Third quadrant
G03 X0.1828 Y0.1824 Z0.0139 I0.0000 J0.1828
Y+ Move to 3 o’clock
(J+) position, move
Z-axis 1/4 of the
pitch.
X+
(I+)
X-
(I-)

Y-
(J-)

5D Fourth quadrant
G03 X-0.1828 Y0.1832 Z0.0139 I-0.1832 J0.0000
Y+ Move to 12 o’clock
(J+) position, move
Z-axis 1/4 of the
pitch.
X+
(I+)
X-
(I-)

Y-
(J-)

Example values are from 3/8-18 NPT right hand thread.

NOTE: The radial adjustment needed for producing one thread can be
found by multiplying the taper by one pitch. Divide by four to segment this
adjustment into quadrants.

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 19

 Programming AccuThread® T3

AccuThread T3 is designed to cut

minimal threads at a time to reduce side
deflection in hard or difficult-to-machine
materials.

To improve rigidity, they are intended to be programmed to cut each thread

starting at the top and progressing down in Z-axis.

Because right hand threads are most common, AccuThread T3 thread mills
are left hand cutting (M04) to maintain the climb milling method.

1 Spindle on | S5416 M04 2 Lower tool | G91 G42 D1

Turn on spindle in counter-clockwise Switch to incremental programming
direction. and turn on cutter compensation.

3 Position for arc on

G01 X0.0314 Y0.0314 Z0 F23.6

Y+ Position tool for
(J+) the arc on motion.

X+
(I+)
X-
(I-)

Y-
(J-)

Example shows right hand thread.

20 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Programming AccuThread® T3

4 Arc on

G02 X0.0314 Y-0.0314 Z-0.0063 I0 J-0.0314 F7.87

Y+ Arc on to engage
(J+) the tool to the
major thread Ø
while moving the
tool down in the
X+
(I+) Z-axis 1/8 pitch.
X-
(I-)

Y-
(J-)

5 Full pass

G02 X0 Y0 Z-0.0500 I-0.0628 J0

Y+ Interpolate the
(J+) thread mill inside
the major thread
diameter while
moving the tool
X+
(I+) down 1 pitch in
the Z-axis.
X-
(I-)
CONTINUE

Y-
(J-)

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 21

 Programming AccuThread® T3

5A Repeat full pass

G02 X0 Y0 Z-0.0500 I-0.0628 J0

Y+ Repeat
(J+) interpolation the
number of times
to create length
of thread needed.
X+
(I+) Use the length of
thread / pitch and
X-
(I-) round the result
to determine the
number of Z-axis
passes required.
Y-
(J-)

6 Arc off

G02 X-0.0314 Y-0.0314 Z-0.0063 I-0.0314 J0

Y+ Arc off to
(J+) disengage the
tool from the
major thread Ø
while moving
X+
(I+) the tool up in the
Z-axis 1/8 pitch.
X-
(I-)

Y-
(J-)

Example shows right hand thread.

22 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Programming AccuThread® T3

7 Return to center

G01 G40 X-0.0314 Y0.0314 F39.34

Y+ Return tool back
(J+) to center and
turn off cutter
compensation.
X+
(I+)
X-
(I-)

Y-
(J-)

8 Return to top

G00 Z1.0126
Y+ Return tool to 1
(J+) pitch above the
part.

X+
(I+)
X-
(I-)

Y-
(J-)

9 Back to absolute

G90
Switch back to absolute to continue.

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 23

 Conversion Chart

FRACTIONS DECIMALS MM FRACTIONS DECIMALS MM

1/64 .0156 0.396 33/64 .5156 13.096
1/32 .0312 0.793 17/32 .5312 13.493
3/64 .0468 1.190 35/64 .5468 13.890
1/16 .0625 1.587 9/16 .5625 14.287
5/64 .0781 1.984 37/64 .5781 14.684
3/32 .0937 2.381 19/32 .5937 15.081
7/64 .1093 2.778 39/64 .6093 15.478
1/8 .1250 3.175 5/8 .6250 15.875
9/64 .1406 3.571 41/64 .6406 16.271
5/32 .1562 3.968 21/32 .6562 16.668
11/64 .1718 4.365 43/64 .6718 17.065
3/16 .1875 4.762 11/16 .6875 17.462
13/64 .2031 5.159 45/64 .7031 17.859
7/32 .2187 5.556 23/32 .7187 18.256
15/64 .2343 5.953 47/64 .7343 18.653
1/4 .2500 6.350 3/4 .7500 19.050
17/64 .2656 6.746 49/64 .7656 19.446
9/32 .2812 7.143 25/32 .7812 19.843
19/64 .2968 7.540 51/64 .7968 20.240
5/16 .3125 7.937 13/16 .8125 20.637
21/64 .3281 8.334 53/64 .8281 21.034
11/32 .3437 8.731 27/32 .8437 21.431
23/64 .3593 9.128 55/64 .8593 21.828
3/8 .3750 9.525 7/8 .8750 22.225
25/64 .3906 9.921 57/64 .8906 22.621
13/32 .4026 10.318 29/32 .9062 23.018
27/64 .4218 10.715 59/64 .9218 23.415
7/16 .4375 11.112 15/16 .9375 23.812
29/64 .4531 11.509 61/64 .9531 24.209
15/32 .4687 11.906 31/32 .9687 24.606
31/64 .4843 12.303 63/64 .9843 25.003
1/2 .5000 12.700 1 1.0000 25.400

24 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Common Thread Forms

Internal Internal R = .137P Internal

29° 30° 30°
55°

90° 1° 47’ R = .137P

External External External

ACME (full profile) API Round BSPP

30° 30° Internal

R = .137P Internal R = .137P Internal
27.5° 27.5° 55°

90° R = .137P 90° 1° 47’

1° 47’ R = .137P
External External External

BSPT BSW NPT / NPTF

30° 30° Internal

1/4P Internal 1/4P Internal
60° 60°

External 1/8P External 1/8P External

NPS / NPSF UNC / UNF UNJC / UNJF

1/4P Internal
60°

1/8P External

ISO

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 25

 Tap Drill Chart | Unified National

UNC UNF

Pitch Drill Size Pitch Drill Size

Ø (TPI) (inch) (TPI) (inch)
#0 - - 80 3/64
#1 64 0.059 (#53) 72 0.059 (#53)
#2 56 0.067 (#51) 64 0.070 (#50)
#3 48 5/64 56 0.081 (#46)
#4 40 0.089 (#43) 48 0.093 (#42)
#5 40 0.099 (#39) 44 0.104 (#37)
#6 32 0.106 (#36) 40 0.113 (#33)
#8 32 0.136 (#29) 36 0.136 (#29)
#10 24 0.149 (#25) 32 0.159 (#21)
#12 24 0.173 (#17) 28 0.180 (#15)
1/4 20 0.201 (#7) 28 0.213 (#3)
5/16 18 0.257 (F) 24 0.272 (I)
3/8 16 5/16 24 0.332 (Q)
7/16 14 0.368 (U) 20 0.386 (W)
1/2 13 27/64 20 29/64
9/16 12 31/64 18 33/64
5/8 11 17/32 18 37/64
3/4 10 21/32 16 11/16
7/8 9 49/64 14 13/16
1 8 7/8 12 15/16
1-1/8 7 63/64 12 1-1/32
1-1/4 7 1-7/64 12 1-11/64
1-3/8 6 1-7/32 12 1-19/64
1-1/2 6 1-11/32 12 1-27/64
1-3/4 5 1-35/64 12 1-43/64
2 4-1/2 1-25/32 12 1-59/64

26 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Tap Drill Chart | Unified National - J Series

UNJC Minor Ø Recommended Drill Size

Ø Pitch (TPI) Min Max Drill Size Decimal (in)
#4 40 .0877 .0942 2.30mm .0906
#5 40 .1007 .1072 2.60mm .1024
#6 32 .1076 .1157 #33 .1130
#8 32 .1336 .1417 3.50mm .1378
#10 24 .1494 .1600 3.90mm .1535
#12 24 .1754 .1852 4.60mm .1811
1/4 20 .2013 .2121 5.30mm .2087
5/16 18 .2584 .2690 6.70mm .2638
3/8 16 .3141 .3250 8.10mm .3189
7/16 14 .3680 .3795 9.50mm .3740
1/2 13 .4251 .4368 10.90mm .4291
9/16 12 .4814 .4914 31/64" .4844
5/8 11 .5365 .5474 13.80mm .5433
3/4 10 .6526 .6646 16.75mm .6594
7/8 9 .7668 .7801 19.60mm .7717
1 8 .8783 .8933 22.50mm .8858
UNJF Minor Ø Recommended Drill Size
Ø Pitch (TPI) Min Max Drill Size Decimal (in)
#4 48 .0917 .0971 2.40mm .0945
#5 44 .1029 .1088 2.70mm .1063
#6 40 .1137 .1202 3.00mm .1181
#8 36 .1370 .1442 #28 .1405
#10 32 .1596 .1675 4.20mm .1654
#12 28 .1812 .1896 #13 .1850
1/4 28 .2152 .2229 7/32" .2188
5/16 24 .2719 .2799 7.00mm .2756
3/8 24 .3344 .3417 8.60mm .3386
7/16 20 .3888 .3970 10.00mm .3937
1/2 20 .4513 .4591 11.60mm .4567
9/16 18 .5084 .5166 13.00mm .5118
5/8 18 .5709 .5788 14.60mm .5748
3/4 16 .6892 .6977 17.60mm .6929
7/8 14 .8055 .8152 13/16" .8125
1 12 .9189 .9289 59/64" .9219

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 27

 Tap Drill Chart | ISO Metric

Metric Metric Fine

Drill Size Drill Size
Ø Pitch mm in Pitch mm in
M1.6 0.35 1.25 3/64 - - -
M1.8 0.35 1.45 0.059 (#53) - - -
M2 0.4 1.60 0.063 (#52) - - -
M2.2 0.45 1.75 0.070 (#50) - - -
M2.5 0.45 2.05 0.081 (#46) - - -
M3 0.5 2.50 0.099 (#39) - - -
M3.5 0.6 2.90 0.116 (#32) - - -
M4 0.7 3.30 0.128 (#30) - - -
M4.5 0.75 3.70 0.147 (#26) - - -
M5 0.8 4.20 0.166 (#19) - - -
M6 1 5.00 0.199 (#8) - - -
M7 1 6.00 0.238 (B) - - -
M8 1.25 6.80 0.266 (H) 1 7.00 0.277 (J)
M10 1.5 8.50 0.339 (R) 1.25 8.80 11/32
M12 1.75 10.20 0.404 (Y) 1.50 10.50 0.413 (Z)
M14 2 12.00 15/32 1.50 12.50 1/2
M16 2 14.00 9/16 1.5 14.50 37/64
M18 2.5 15.50 39/64 1.5 16.50 21/32
M20 2.5 17.50 11/16 1.5 18.50 47/64
M22 2.5 19.50 49/64 1.5 20.50 13/16
M24 3 21.00 53/64 2 22.00 7/8
M27 3 24.00 61/64 2 25.00 63/64
M30 3.5 26.50 1-3/64 2 28.00 1-7/64
M33 3.5 29.50 1-11/64 2 31.00 1-7/32
M36 4 32.00 1-17/64 3 33.00 1-19/64
M39 4 35.00 1-25/64 3 36.00 1-27/64

28 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Tap Drill Chart | ISO Metric - J Series

Metric Metric Fine

Drill Size Drill Size

Ø Pitch (mm) Pitch (mm)
M2 0.4 1.65 - -
M2.5 0.45 2.10 - -
M3 0.5 2.60 - -
M3.5 0.6 3.00 - -
M4 0.7 3.40 - -
M5 0.8 4.30 - -
M6 1 5.10 - -
M7 1 6.10 - -
M8 1.25 6.90 1 7.10
M10 1.5 8.70 1.25 8.90
M12 1.75 10.50 1.25 10.90
M14 - - 1.5 12.60
M16 2 14.30 1.5 14.60
M18 - - 1.5 16.60
M20 - - 1.5 18.60

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 29

 Tap Drill Chart | National Pipe Threads

NPT & NPTF NPS & NPSF

Pipe Tap Pitch Drill Size* Pitch Drill Size

Size (TPI) (inch) (TPI) (inch)
1/16 27 0.242 (C) - -
1/8 27 0.332 (Q) 27 0.348 (S)
1/4 18 7/16 18 29/64
3/8 18 9/16 18 19/32
1/2 14 45/64 14 47/64
3/4 14 29/32 14 15/16
1 11-1/2 1-9/64 11-1/2 1-3/16
1-1/4 11-1/2 1-31/64 11-1/2 1-33/64
1-1/2 11-1/2 1-23/32 11-1/2 1-3/4
2 11-1/2 2-7/32 11-1/2 2-7/32
2-1/2 8 2-5/8 8 2-21/32
3 8 3-1/4 8 3-9/32
3-1/2 8 3-3/4 8 3-25/32
4 8 4-1/4 8 4-9/32
*Without taper reamer

30 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Tap Drill Chart | British Standard Pipe Threads

BSW BSPP BSPT

Pipe Tap Pitch Drill Size Pitch Drill Size Pitch Drill Size*
Size (TPI) (inch) (TPI) (inch) (TPI) (inch)
1/16 60 0.046 (#56) 28 0.261 (G) - -
1/8 40 0.098 (#40) 28 11/32 28 21/64
1/4 20 0.196 (#9) 19 29/64 19 7/16
5/16 18 1/4 - - - -
3/8 16 5/16 19 19/32 19 37/64
7/16 14 23/64 - - - -
1/2 12 0.413 (Z) 14 3/4 14 23/32
9/16 12 17/32 - - - -
5/8 11 35/64 14 53/64 - -
3/4 10 41/64 14 31/32 14 15/16
7/8 9 3/4 14 1-7/64 - -
1 8 55/64 11 1-13/64 11 1-11/64
1-1/4 7 1-3/32 11 1-35/64 11 1-33/64
1-1/2 6 1-5/16 11 1-25/32 11 1-3/4
1-3/4 5 1-17/32 11 2 11 -
2 4.5 1-3/4 11 2-1/4 11 2-3/16
*Without taper reamer

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 31

 Tap Drill Chart | ACME General Purpose (Full Profile)

ACME

Pitch
Nominal Ø (TPI) Min (inch) Max (inch)
1/4 16 .1875 .1925
5/16 14 .2411 .2461
3/8 12 .2917 .2967
7/16 12 .3542 .3592
1/2 10 .4000 .4050
5/8 8 .5000 .5062
3/4 6 .5833 .5916
7/8 6 .7083 .7166
1 5 .8000 .8100
1-1/8 5 .9250 .9350
1-1/4 5 1.0500 1.0600
1-3/8 4 1.1250 1.1375
1-1/2 4 1.2500 1.2625
1-3/4 4 1.5000 1.5125
2 4 1.7500 1.7625
2-1/4 3 1.9167 1.9334
2-1/2 3 2.1667 2.1834
2-3/4 3 2.4167 2.4334
3 2 2.5000 2.5250
3-1/2 2 3.0000 3.0250
4 2 3.5000 3.5250
4-1/2 2 4.0000 4.0250
5 2 4.5000 4.5250

32 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Tool Holding

When applying side pressure on any milling tool, rigidity is important for
success. For best results, use tool holders with accurate and secure clamping
to reduce tool deflection. Collet chucks should be avoided for applications
with side loading pressure.

Solid Carbide Indexable

Collet Chuck

Hydraulic Chuck

Shrink Fit

Milling Chuck

End Mill Holder

Shell Mill Holder

= Recommended = Use with caution Blank = Not recommended

Deflection

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 33

 Speeds and Feeds | Imperial

Machinability*
Hardness Speed
ISO

Material (BHN) (SFM)

Free Machining Steel 100 - 150 Easy 725
1118, 1215, 12L14, etc. 150 - 200 Easy 550
200 - 250 Easy 450
Low Carbon Steel 85 - 125 Average 725
1010, 1020, 1025, 125 - 175 Average 550
1522, 1144 175 - 225 Average 450
225 - 275 Average 400
Medium Carbon Steel 125 - 175 Average 450
1010, 1040, 1050, 175 - 225 Average 400
1527, 1140 225 - 275 Average 350
275 - 325 Average 300
P
Alloy Steel 125 - 175 Average 450
4140, 5140, 8640 175 - 225 Average 400
225 - 275 Average 350
275 - 325 Difficult 300
325 - 375 Difficult 250
High Strength Alloy 225 - 300 Average 350
4340, 4330V, 300M 300 - 350 Difficult 300
350 - 400 Difficult 250
Structural Steel 100 - 150 Average 450
A36, A285, A516 150 - 250 Average 400
250 - 350 Difficult 300

NOTE: Feed rates provided are safe starting recommendations and may be
increased to reduce cycle times. Solid carbide thread mills may perform at
double or triple these feed recommendations.

34 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Speeds and Feeds | Imperial

Recommended Feed (inch/tooth) by Cutter Diameter

0.060 0.126 0.189 0.251 0.313 0.376 0.501 0.626
to to to to to to to to
0.125 0.188 0.250 0.312 0.375 0.500 0.625 0.750
0.0004 0.0005 0.0007 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025
0.0004 0.0005 0.0007 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025
0.0004 0.0005 0.0007 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025
0.0004 0.0005 0.0007 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025
0.0004 0.0005 0.0007 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025
0.0004 0.0005 0.0007 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025
0.0004 0.0005 0.0007 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025
0.0004 0.0005 0.0006 0.0008 0.0010 0.0013 0.0018 0.0020
0.0004 0.0005 0.0006 0.0008 0.0010 0.0013 0.0018 0.0020
0.0004 0.0005 0.0006 0.0008 0.0010 0.0013 0.0018 0.0020
0.0004 0.0005 0.0006 0.0008 0.0010 0.0013 0.0018 0.0020
0.0004 0.0005 0.0006 0.0008 0.0010 0.0013 0.0018 0.0020
0.0004 0.0005 0.0006 0.0008 0.0010 0.0013 0.0018 0.0020
0.0004 0.0005 0.0006 0.0008 0.0010 0.0013 0.0018 0.0020
0.0004 0.0005 0.0006 0.0008 0.0010 0.0013 0.0018 0.0020
0.0004 0.0005 0.0006 0.0008 0.0010 0.0013 0.0018 0.0020
0.0004 0.0005 0.0006 0.0008 0.0010 0.0013 0.0018 0.0020
0.0004 0.0005 0.0006 0.0008 0.0010 0.0013 0.0018 0.0020
0.0004 0.0005 0.0006 0.0008 0.0010 0.0013 0.0018 0.0020
0.0004 0.0005 0.0007 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025
0.0004 0.0005 0.0007 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025
0.0004 0.0005 0.0007 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025

**Refer to recommended pass chart on page 43 when referencing material

**machinability

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 35

 Speeds and Feeds | Imperial

Machinability*
Hardness Speed
ISO

Material (BHN) (SFM)

High Temp Alloy 140 - 220 Difficult 100
S
Hastelloy B, Inconel 600 220 - 310 Difficult 75

Stainless Steel 135 - 185 Difficult 425

303, 416, 420 185 - 275 Difficult 400
Stainless Steel PH 185 - 275 Difficult 250
M
17-4 275 - 325 Difficult 125
Tool Steel 150 - 200 Difficult 325
H-13, H21, A-4 200 - 250 Difficult 225

Cast Iron 120 - 150 Easy 550

Grey, Ductile, Nodular 150 - 200 Easy 500
K 200 - 220 Easy 450
220 - 260 Average 400
260 - 320 Average 375

Wrought Aluminum 30 Easy 1000

6061 T6 180 Easy 900
N
Cast Aluminum** up to 10% silicon 120 Easy 500
Brass 30 - 125 Easy 1000

NOTE: Feed rates provided are safe starting recommendations and may be
increased to reduce cycle times. Solid carbide thread mills may perform at
double or triple these feed recommendations.

36 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Speeds and Feeds | Imperial

Recommended Feed (inch/tooth) by Cutter Diameter

0.060 0.126 0.189 0.251 0.313 0.376 0.501 0.626
to to to to to to to to
0.125 0.188 0.250 0.312 0.375 0.500 0.625 0.750
0.0003 0.0004 0.0006 0.0008 0.0009 0.0010 0.0012 0.0015
0.0003 0.0004 0.0006 0.0008 0.0009 0.0010 0.0012 0.0015

0.0004 0.0005 0.0006 0.0008 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020

0.0004 0.0005 0.0006 0.0008 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020
0.0004 0.0005 0.0006 0.0008 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020
0.0004 0.0005 0.0006 0.0008 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020
0.0004 0.0005 0.0007 0.0008 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025
0.0004 0.0005 0.0007 0.0008 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025

0.0004 0.0005 0.0007 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025

0.0004 0.0005 0.0007 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025
0.0004 0.0005 0.0007 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025
0.0004 0.0005 0.0007 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025
0.0004 0.0005 0.0007 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025

0.0005 0.0006 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025 0.0030

0.0005 0.0006 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025 0.0030
0.0005 0.0006 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025 0.0030
0.0005 0.0006 0.0009 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020 0.0025 0.0030

**Refer to recommended pass chart on page 43 when referencing material

**machinability
**Uncoated thread mills are recommended for cast aluminum applications

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 37

 Speeds and Feeds | Metric

Machinability*
Hardness Speed
ISO

Material (BHN) (M/min)

Free Machining Steel 100 - 150 Easy 221
1118, 1215, 12L14, etc. 150 - 200 Easy 168
200 - 250 Easy 137
Low Carbon Steel 85 - 125 Average 221
1010, 1020, 1025, 125 - 175 Average 168
1522, 1144 175 - 225 Average 137
225 - 275 Average 122
Medium Carbon Steel 125 - 175 Average 137
1010, 1040, 1050, 175 - 225 Average 122
1527, 1140 225 - 275 Average 107
275 - 325 Average 91
P
Alloy Steel 125 - 175 Average 137
4140, 5140, 8640 175 - 225 Average 122
225 - 275 Average 107
275 - 325 Difficult 91
325 - 375 Difficult 76
High Strength Alloy 225 - 300 Average 107
4340, 4330V, 300M 300 - 350 Difficult 91
350 - 400 Difficult 76
Structural Steel 100 - 150 Average 137
A36, A285, A516 150 - 250 Average 122
250 - 350 Difficult 91

NOTE: Feed rates provided are safe starting recommendations and may be
increased to reduce cycle times. Solid carbide thread mills may perform at
double or triple these feed recommendations.

38 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Speeds and Feeds | Metric

Recommended Feed (mm/tooth) by Cutter Diameter

1.50 3.19 4.77 6.36 7.95 9.54 12.71 15.89
to to to to to to to to
3.18 4.76 6.35 7.94 9.53 12.70 15.88 19.05
0.010 0.013 0.018 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064
0.010 0.013 0.018 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064
0.010 0.013 0.018 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064
0.010 0.013 0.018 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064
0.010 0.013 0.018 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064
0.010 0.013 0.018 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064
0.010 0.013 0.018 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064
0.010 0.013 0.015 0.020 0.025 0.038 0.046 0.051
0.010 0.013 0.015 0.020 0.025 0.038 0.046 0.051
0.010 0.013 0.015 0.020 0.025 0.038 0.046 0.051
0.010 0.013 0.015 0.020 0.025 0.038 0.046 0.051
0.010 0.013 0.015 0.020 0.025 0.038 0.046 0.051
0.010 0.013 0.015 0.020 0.025 0.038 0.046 0.051
0.010 0.013 0.015 0.020 0.025 0.038 0.046 0.051
0.010 0.013 0.015 0.020 0.025 0.038 0.046 0.051
0.010 0.013 0.015 0.020 0.025 0.038 0.046 0.051
0.010 0.013 0.015 0.020 0.025 0.038 0.046 0.051
0.010 0.013 0.015 0.020 0.025 0.038 0.046 0.051
0.010 0.013 0.015 0.020 0.025 0.038 0.046 0.051
0.010 0.013 0.018 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064
0.010 0.013 0.018 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064
0.010 0.013 0.018 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064

**Refer to recommended pass chart on page 43 when referencing material

**machinability

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 39

 Speeds and Feeds | Metric

Machinability*
Hardness Speed
ISO

Material (BHN) (M/min)

High Temp Alloy 140 - 220 Difficult 30
S
Hastelloy B, Inconel 600 220 - 310 Difficult 23

Stainless Steel 135 - 185 Difficult 130

303, 416, 420 185 - 275 Difficult 122
Stainless Steel PH 185 - 275 Difficult 76
M
17-4 275 - 325 Difficult 38
Tool Steel 150 - 200 Difficult 99
H-13, H21, A-4 200 - 250 Difficult 69

Cast Iron 120 - 150 Easy 168

Grey, Ductile, Nodular 150 - 200 Easy 152
K 200 - 220 Easy 137
220 - 260 Average 122
260 - 320 Average 114

Wrought Aluminum 30 Easy 305

6061 T6 180 Easy 274
N
Cast Aluminum** up to 10% silicon 120 Easy 152
Brass 30 - 125 Easy 305

NOTE: Feed rates provided are safe starting recommendations and may be
increased to reduce cycle times. Solid carbide thread mills may perform at
double or triple these feed recommendations.

40 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Speeds and Feeds | Metric

Recommended Feed (mm/tooth) by Cutter Diameter

1.50 3.19 4.77 6.36 7.95 9.54 12.71 15.89
to to to to to to to to
3.18 4.76 6.35 7.94 9.53 12.70 15.88 19.05
0.008 0.010 0.015 0.020 0.023 0.025 0.030 0.038
0.008 0.010 0.015 0.020 0.023 0.025 0.030 0.038

0.010 0.013 0.015 0.020 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051

0.010 0.013 0.015 0.020 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051
0.010 0.013 0.015 0.020 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051
0.010 0.013 0.015 0.020 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051
0.010 0.013 0.018 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064
0.010 0.013 0.018 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064

0.010 0.013 0.018 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064

0.010 0.013 0.018 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064
0.010 0.013 0.018 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064
0.010 0.013 0.018 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064
0.010 0.013 0.018 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064

0.013 0.015 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064 0.076

0.013 0.015 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064 0.076
0.013 0.015 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064 0.076
0.013 0.015 0.023 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064 0.076

**Refer to recommended pass chart on page 43 when referencing material

**machinability
**Uncoated thread mills are recommended for cast aluminum applications

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 41

 AccuThread® T3 Speeds and Feeds | Imperial

Hardness Speed
ISO

Material (BHN) (M/min)

Free Machining Steel 100 - 150 375
1118, 1215, 12L14, etc. 150 - 200 275
200 - 250 225
Low Carbon Steel 85 - 125 375
1010, 1020, 1025, 125 - 175 275
1522, 1144, etc. 175 - 225 225
225 - 275 200
Medium Carbon Steel 125 - 175 225
1010, 1040, 1050, 175 - 225 200
1527, 1140, 1151, etc. 225 - 275 175
275 - 325 150
Alloy Steel 125 - 175 225
P
4140, 5140, 8640, etc. 175 - 225 200
225 - 275 175
275 - 325 150
325 - 375 125
High Strength Alloy 225 - 300 175
4340, 4330V, 300M, etc. 300 - 350 150
350 - 400 125
Structural Steel 100 - 150 225
A36, A285, A516, etc. 150 - 250 200
250 - 350 150
Tool Steel 150 - 200 175
H-13, H-21, A-4, 0-2, S-3, etc. 200 - 250 125

42 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 AccuThread® T3 Speeds and Feeds | Imperial

Chipload per Tooth (IPT) by Cutter Diameter

0.055 0.126 0.189 0.251 0.313 0.376 0.501
to to to to to to to
0.125 0.188 0.250 0.312 0.375 0.500 0.750
0.0008 0.0010 0.0014 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0035
0.0008 0.0010 0.0014 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0035
0.0008 0.0010 0.0014 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0035
0.0008 0.0010 0.0014 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0035
0.0008 0.0010 0.0014 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0035
0.0008 0.0010 0.0014 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0035
0.0008 0.0010 0.0014 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0035
0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0020 0.0026 0.0031
0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0020 0.0026 0.0031
0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0020 0.0026 0.0031
0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0020 0.0026 0.0031
0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0020 0.0026 0.0031
0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0020 0.0026 0.0031
0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0020 0.0026 0.0031
0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0020 0.0026 0.0031
0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0020 0.0026 0.0031
0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0020 0.0026 0.0031
0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0020 0.0026 0.0031
0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0020 0.0026 0.0031
0.0008 0.0010 0.0014 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0035
0.0008 0.0010 0.0014 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0035
0.0008 0.0010 0.0014 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0035
0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0020 0.0026 0.0031
0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0020 0.0026 0.0031

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 43

 AccuThread® T3 Speeds and Feeds | Imperial

Hardness Speed
ISO

Material (BHN) (SFM)

High Temp Alloy 140 - 220 100
Hastelloy B, Inconel 600 220 - 310 75
Titanium Alloy 140 - 220 100
S
220 - 310 75
Aerospace Alloy 185 - 275 100
S82 275 - 350 75

Stainless Steel 185 - 275 225

416, 420, etc. 275 - 350 200
Stainless Steel 300 Series 135 - 185 125
M
304, 316, 17-4, etc. 185 - 275 75
Super Duplex Stainless Steel 135 - 185 125
185 - 275 75

44 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 AccuThread® T3 Speeds and Feeds | Imperial

Chipload per Tooth (IPT) by Cutter Diameter

0.055 0.126 0.189 0.251 0.313 0.376 0.501
to to to to to to to
0.125 0.188 0.250 0.312 0.375 0.500 0.750
0.0006 0.0008 0.0012 0.0016 0.0018 0.0020 0.0025
0.0006 0.0008 0.0012 0.0016 0.0018 0.0020 0.0025
0.0006 0.0008 0.0012 0.0016 0.0018 0.0020 0.0025
0.0006 0.0008 0.0012 0.0016 0.0018 0.0020 0.0025
0.0006 0.0008 0.0012 0.0016 0.0018 0.0020 0.0025
0.0006 0.0008 0.0012 0.0016 0.0018 0.0020 0.0025

0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0018 0.0020 0.0025

0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0018 0.0020 0.0025
0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0018 0.0020 0.0025
0.0008 0.0010 0.0012 0.0016 0.0018 0.0020 0.0025
0.0006 0.0008 0.0012 0.0016 0.0018 0.0020 0.0025
0.0006 0.0008 0.0012 0.0016 0.0018 0.0020 0.0025

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 45

 AccuThread® T3 Speeds and Feeds | Imperial

Hardness Speed
ISO

Material (BHN) (SFM)

Hardened Steels 140 - 220 100
H
220 - 310 75

Cast Iron 185 - 275 225

Grey, Ductile, Nodular 275 - 350 200
K 135 - 185 125
185 - 275 75
135 - 185 125

Wrought Aluminum 30 500

180 450
N
Cast Aluminum 30 - 180 250
Brass 30 - 100 500

46 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 AccuThread® T3 Speeds and Feeds | Imperial

Chipload per Tooth (IPT) by Cutter Diameter

0.055 0.126 0.189 0.251 0.313 0.376 0.501
to to to to to to to
0.125 0.188 0.250 0.312 0.375 0.500 0.750
0.0006 0.0008 0.0012 0.0016 0.0018 0.0020 0.0025
0.0006 0.0008 0.0012 0.0016 0.0018 0.0020 0.0025

0.0008 0.0010 0.0014 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0035

0.0008 0.0010 0.0014 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0035
0.0008 0.0010 0.0014 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0035
0.0008 0.0010 0.0014 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0035
0.0008 0.0010 0.0014 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0035

0.0010 0.0012 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0040 0.0048

0.0010 0.0012 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0040 0.0048
0.0010 0.0012 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0040 0.0048
0.0010 0.0012 0.0018 0.0020 0.0030 0.0040 0.0048

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 47

 AccuThread® T3 Speeds and Feeds | Metric

Hardness Speed
ISO

Material (BHN) (M/min)

Free Machining Steel 100 - 150 115
1118, 1215, 12L14, etc. 150 - 200 85
200 - 250 70
Low Carbon Steel 85 - 125 115
1010, 1020, 1025, 125 - 175 85
1522, 1144, etc. 175 - 225 70
225 - 275 60
Medium Carbon Steel 125 - 175 70
1010, 1040, 1050, 175 - 225 60
1527, 1140, 1151, etc. 225 - 275 50
275 - 325 45
Alloy Steel 125 - 175 70
P
4140, 5140, 8640, etc. 175 - 225 60
225 - 275 50
275 - 325 45
325 - 375 38
High Strength Alloy 225 - 300 50
4340, 4330V, 300M, etc. 300 - 350 45
350 - 400 38
Structural Steel 100 - 150 70
A36, A285, A516, etc. 150 - 250 60
250 - 350 45
Tool Steel 150 - 200 50
H-13, H-21, A-4, 0-2, S-3, etc. 200 - 250 38

48 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 AccuThread® T3 Speeds and Feeds | Metric

Chipload per Tooth (mm/tooth) by Cutter Diameter

1.40 3.18 4.78 6.36 7.93 9.53 12.71
to to to to to to to
3.17 4.77 6.35 7.92 9.52 12.70 19.05
0.020 0.025 0.035 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.090
0.020 0.025 0.035 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.090
0.020 0.025 0.035 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.090
0.020 0.025 0.035 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.090
0.020 0.025 0.035 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.090
0.020 0.025 0.035 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.090
0.020 0.025 0.035 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.090
0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.065 0.080
0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.065 0.080
0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.065 0.080
0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.065 0.080
0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.065 0.080
0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.065 0.080
0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.065 0.080
0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.065 0.080
0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.065 0.080
0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.065 0.080
0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.065 0.080
0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.065 0.080
0.020 0.025 0.035 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.090
0.020 0.025 0.035 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.090
0.020 0.025 0.035 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.090
0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.065 0.080
0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.065 0.080

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 49

 AccuThread® T3 Speeds and Feeds | Metric

Hardness Speed
ISO

Material (BHN) (M/min)

High Temp Alloy 140 - 220 30
Hastelloy B, Inconel 600 220 - 310 23
Titanium Alloy 140 - 220 30
S
220 - 310 23
Aerospace Alloy 185 - 275 30
S82 275 - 350 23

Stainless Steel 185 - 275 70

416, 420, etc. 275 - 350 60
Stainless Steel 300 Series 135 - 185 38
M
304, 316, 17-4, etc. 185 - 275 23
Super Duplex Stainless Steel 135 - 185 38
185 - 275 23

50 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 AccuThread® T3 Speeds and Feeds | Metric

Chipload per Tooth (mm/tooth) by Cutter Diameter

1.40 3.18 4.78 6.36 7.93 9.53 12.71
to to to to to to to
3.17 4.77 6.35 7.92 9.52 12.70 19.05
0.015 0.020 0.030 0.040 0.045 0.050 0.065
0.015 0.020 0.030 0.040 0.045 0.050 0.065
0.015 0.020 0.030 0.040 0.045 0.050 0.065
0.015 0.020 0.030 0.040 0.045 0.050 0.065
0.015 0.020 0.030 0.040 0.045 0.050 0.065
0.015 0.020 0.030 0.040 0.045 0.050 0.065

0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.045 0.050 0.065

0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.045 0.050 0.065
0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.045 0.050 0.065
0.020 0.025 0.030 0.040 0.045 0.050 0.065
0.015 0.020 0.030 0.040 0.045 0.050 0.065
0.015 0.020 0.030 0.040 0.045 0.050 0.065

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 51

 AccuThread® T3 Speeds and Feeds | Metric

Hardness Speed
ISO

Material (BHN) (M/min)

Hardened Steels 140 - 220 50
H
220 - 310 38

Cast Iron 185 - 275 85

Grey, Ductile, Nodular 275 - 350 75
K 135 - 185 70
185 - 275 60
135 - 185 60

Wrought Aluminum 30 150

180 135
N
Cast Aluminum 30 - 180 75
Brass 30 - 100 150

52 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 AccuThread® T3 Speeds and Feeds | Metric

Chipload per Tooth (mm/tooth) by Cutter Diameter

1.40 3.18 4.78 6.36 7.93 9.53 12.71
to to to to to to to
3.17 4.77 6.35 7.92 9.52 12.70 19.05
0.015 0.020 0.030 0.040 0.045 0.050 0.065
0.015 0.020 0.030 0.040 0.045 0.050 0.065

0.020 0.025 0.035 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.090

0.020 0.025 0.035 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.090
0.020 0.025 0.035 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.090
0.020 0.025 0.035 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.090
0.020 0.025 0.035 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.090

0.025 0.030 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.100 0.120

0.025 0.030 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.100 0.120
0.025 0.030 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.100 0.120
0.025 0.030 0.045 0.050 0.075 0.100 0.120

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 53

 Radial Passes

Thread milling is like any other material removal process. Depending on how
much material needs to be removed and the material’s machinability, multiple
machining passes may be required. The coarser the pitch, the more material
that needs removed. Use the chart below for the suggested number of radial
passes.

65% 100%

90%

The percentage of material removal for each machining pass is determined

based off total thread height. Percentage of material removal varies
depending on the application, but general starting percentages are:

1 pass 100%
2 passes 75% 100%
3 passes 60% 80% 100%
4 passes 60% 80% 90% 100%

54 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Radial Passes

NPT / NPTF / UN / UNJ / BSPP

ISO
BSPT / API BSW / NPS / NPSF

Machinability Machinability Machinability

Pitch Pitch Pitch
Size E A D Size E A D Size E A D
28 1 1 2 0.40 1 1 2 64 1 1 2
27 1 1 2 0.45 1 1 2 56 1 1 2
19 1 1 2 0.50 1 1 2 48 1 1 2
18 1 1 2 0.70 1 1 2 44 1 1 2
14 1 2 3 0.75 1 1 2 40 1 1 2
11.5 1 2 3 0.80 1 1 2 36 1 1 2
11 1 2 3 1.00 1 1 2 32 1 1 2
10 1 2 3 1.25 1 2 3 28 1 1 2
8 2 3 4 1.50 1 2 3 27 1 1 2
1.75 1 2 3 24 1 1 2
2.00 1 2 3 20 1 2 3
2.50 2 3 4 19 1 2 3
3.00 2 3 4 18 1 2 3
3.50 2 3 4 16 1 2 3
4.00 2 3 4 14 1 2 3
4.50 2 3 4 13 1 2 3
5.00 2 3 4 12 1 2 3
6.00 2 3 4 11.5 2 2 4
1 Pass 11 2 2 4
10 2 3 4
2 Passes
9 2 3 4
3 Passes
8 2 3 4
4 Passes 7 2 3 4
Machinability codes: 6 2 3 4
E = Easy A = Average D = Difficult

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 55

 Troubleshooting

Cutting Tool Problems

Excessive Wear
• Decrease speed
• Use preferred tool holder (see page 33)
Chipping Cutting Edges
• Reduce feed rate
• Add additional radial pass
• Reduce tool overhang
• Use preferred tool holder (see page 33)
Immediate Tool Failure
• Check tool selection (reduce cutter diameter)
• Reduce feed rate
• Use arc on programming method
• Check cutter compensation D value in program
and registrar value
• Check program variables (use Insta-Code ™
for
program)

Excessive Chatter
• Reduce tool overhang
• Reduce feed rate
• Add additional radial pass
• Use preferred tool holder (see page 33)
Go and No-Go Gage Fit
• Reduce feed rate
• Add additional radial pass
• Reduce tool overhang
• Use preferred tool holder (see page 33)
• Tool is worn, replace tool

56 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Troubleshooting

Machine Controller Problems

Spindle Alarm
• Check RPM maximum for machine

Negative Cutter Compensation

• If machine does not accept negative cutter
compensation, change compensation direction
and use positive offset in registrar

Alarm Regarding Tool Path

• Remove tool diameter from controller’s tool
page. Most thread mill programs are based off
center of tool and diameter is not necessary
for controller.

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 57

 Notes

58 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

 Notes

THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 59

 Notes

60 | THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE

WE HAVE A
KIT FOR THAT
Kits aren’t for
everyone, but if you
work on different
projects from day
to day, you need to
be prepared for the
work tomorrow will
bring.

One Tool,
Four Operations
The Complete Package

Producing fully finished threaded hydraulic ports has never been easier. The
Port and Thread Finishing Kit includes the AccuPort 432® port contour cutter
with a dedicated AccuThread® 856 solid carbide thread mill in a single kit. You
also receive the T-A® inserts and port form inserts needed to complete the
assembly.

Port kits incorporate the AccuThread 856 solid carbide thread mills to
increase the manufacturing flexibility by allowing hydraulic ports to be
produced in just two operations. In addition, where a unique port profile is
required, Allied Machine provides a dedicated special tooling solution using
our extensive tool design and manufacturing experience to meet precise
specifications.
THREAD MILLING REFERENCE GUIDE | 61
Allied Machine & Engineering
120 Deeds Drive
Dover, Ohio 44622
United States
330.343.4283

Allied Machine & Engineering Co. (Europe) Ltd.

93 Vantage Point
Pensnett Estate
Kingswinford
West Midlands
DY6 7FR England
+44 (0) 1384 400900

Wohlhaupter GmbH
Maybachstrasse 4
Postfach 1264
72636 Frickenhausen
Germany
011.49.7022.408.0

Wohlhaupter India Pvt. Ltd.

B-23, 3rd Floor
B Block Community Centre
Janakpuri, New Delhi - 110058
India
+91.11.41827044

www.alliedmachine.com
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Copyright © 2022 Allied Machine & Engineering Corp. All rights reserved.
All trademarks designated with the ® symbol are
registered in the United States and other countries.
Literature Order Number: TMPG
Print Date: January 2022