> On Sep 17, 2021, at 10:03 , Thomas Conroy via groups.io
 wrote:
> 
> I-1/4" and 6 t.p.i. is very slow unless you "twirl" the press like a hand
clamp to open and close it, but still functional. 1-1/2" at 6 t.p.i. is bad in
every way. Check the archive for explorations of the problems.
> 

Not that Tom needs endorsement from a hack like me, but I'll echo this: my
Taiwan-made 1-1/2" screwbox and tap is garbage. I managed to make a few screws
with it, and they're painfully slow and prone to binding. After a few
sharpenings, the cutter holds an edge about as well as aluminum foil. Even if
you get a threader without the quality problems, the 6 pt 1-1/2" screw still
sucks, and I'm reminded of it every time I use my benchtop vise and miter jack.

I snagged a 5/8" German threader and tap from fleabay, and the difference is
shocking. Partly due to diameter, but the tool quality is also much better. It
just works without futzing around.

> 
> If you want to make the kind of half-assed flat-cheeked dovetailing jig that
Chris Schwarz invented and dubbed "Moxon vise," then a 1" or 1-1/4" Taiwanese
screwbox will do just fine, at least up to 15" between screws--- my experience
doesn't go much larger than that, but I would want a larger, faster screw for a
length greater that that.

I assume Dan wants this for his new Nicholson bench. As a fellow Nicholson bench
user, I suggest laminating up some thicker jaws (2-3") for a benchtop vise, so
you can use it for things other than dovetailing shelf boards. The bench apron
and holdfasts are usually fine for that, and quicker than dragging the vise out
of the corner.

Adam
Benton City, WA