Chuck: 
 You are, and you remain, the man. 

  Thanks for spelling it out. I'd like to add: $43.99 is not a lot to risk. If
it takes a week, and you get one good screw for a lifetime vise, that's probably
not the worst tool deal you'll ever make.
                      back to work---gam in OlyWA/USA


How horrible it is to have so many people killed!---And what a blessing one
cares for none of them!
Jane Austen 

    On Thursday, September 16, 2021, 06:14:49 PM PDT, Chuck Taylor via groups.io
 wrote:
 
 Dan,

You asked

==begin snip==
Does anyone have any experience with a wood tap and die set like this one:

https://taytools.com/products/wood-tap-die-sets?variant=18507395498035
==end snip==

I have used similar tools with some success. The one word in the description I
would quibble with is "effortlessly". In my experience, they are a bit finickity
to adjust and use. The cutter needs to be sharp and adjusted just so. I suggest
setting the cutter for a light cut at first, increasing the depth of cut
incrementally on subsequent passes. On subsequent passes be careful to center
the cutter in the groove. Also, be careful when sharpening not to mess up the
cutter's geometry.

If you are using store-bought dowels, be sure to check that the dowel is in fact
round and that it is the size the seller says it is.

Don't ask me how I learned these things. :-)

Good luck!

Chuck Taylor
north of Seattle USA