Acme threads

[BigBody79]

I'm looking to make something using acme threads like in a screw jack.

Question is can you cut acme rod like regular threaded rod and have the nut go on and off?

I can find 3ft sections but only need 1.5ft(4)

 

[Black Bear]

Cut it square, and bevel the edge and you should be fine. Put the nut on and use it as a die after you cut and bevel.

 

[BigBody79]

Alright. Thats what I do with regular threaded rod. Thanks

 

[Fabrik8]

It's actually easier to clean up the ends of Acme rod after cutting (than all-thread) because the thread profile is more open, especially after an edge chamfer like said above. Nothing a decent hand fine or two can't handle. Acme chucks up in a lathe very nicely too (especially with a collet), because the thread profile is so square. Most of the common stuff is 1018, 4140, or 304 stainless, all of which cut perfectly easily.

Race teams (NASCAR, etc) cut and weld Acme all the time to make adjustable height pivots for the chassis end of the Panhard and a few other things. Years ago when I was doing automation we used to cut it all the time to make gearhead linear actuators too.

 

[catfishblues]

What they all said. Acme is fun to play with. Bitch to tap, though. The taps are a two-stage design and pretty pricey.

 

[NCJeeplover]

The taps are a two-stage design and pretty pricey.

I bought a piece of threaded rod that was tool steel and tapered it and cut a slot down it and made a tap. I was only tapping brass bushings but it works great!