Al, The thread had stripped about 1/2" into the end of the tube but the original thread was about 3/4" long so I set up the thread cutting operation to extend the remaining thread using a tpi of 26. I suspect the thread is actually 1mm pitch as the new thread does go slightly tight when a collet is screwed in more than 1/2". I avoided the metric pitch because, although my lathe will cut them, it is not possible to release the clasp nut from the leadscrew between passes! I felt sure this would result in a catastrophe! Regards, Barrie ----- Original Message ----- From: "Allen Messer" <al_messer@xxxxxxxxx> To: <modeleng@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 11:32 PM Subject: [modeleng] Re: Mystery Thread & New Loco > Glad you were successful, Barrie, but what was the > diameter and pitch you came up with?? > > Al Messer > > --- Barrie Purslow <bpduo@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: > >> Thanks to those who responded on this topic. >> I was trying to identify the thread in order to buy >> a tap having avoided thread cutting in the lathe for >> so many years I had become paranoid about it. Well, >> since running was rained off today I grasped the >> nettle, called up reserves of "the old magic", took >> the stripped tube end and screw cut the existing >> thread further up the tube. I then cut off the >> stripped portion and relieved the other end to make >> up for the offcut. Bingo - collets are back in >> business. >> >> Truth is I have spent the last year working on a >> certain 5" Duchess and become slightly obsessed with >> it to the point where all workshop maintenance work >> was ignored. However the engine is now up and >> running and I have a few pictures to prove it. Would >> it be possible to put them on your website Alan? >> >> Regards, >> >> >> Barrie >> >> >> MODEL ENGINEERING DISCUSSION LIST. >> >> To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send a blank email >> to, >> modeleng-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word >> "unsubscribe" in the subject line. >> > > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around > http://mail.yahoo.com > MODEL ENGINEERING DISCUSSION LIST. > > To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send a blank email to, > modeleng-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject > line. > > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.10.9/417 - Release Date: 11/08/2006 > > MODEL ENGINEERING DISCUSSION LIST. To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send a blank email to, modeleng-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line.