Electric Tapping Arm with Magnetic Mounting Base, Workbench and 220V to 110V Converter
- Mar 17, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 14
Although we can tap parts on the HAAS CNC mill using rigid tapping, it's often quicker to hand tap parts vs setting up the code and fixtures, especially if it's a part that we are not already CNC machining. So we needed to find a tapping arm. Tapping arms traditionally had air powered tapping heads, but there are now many relatively inexpensive electric tapping heads that have much more programmable options, and don't need air, which is loud and inconvenient.
It was much less expensive than similar models selling for $1300+ that looked almost identical.
It appears to have a more robust angle adjustment.
It has an automated air blast control for removing chips.
It has an automated oiler line.
The seller sent me the manual so that I could read all about the operation and specs before buying.
It's 220V. That's inconvenient for most locations where this will be installed. The solution is to buy an inexpensive 220V to 110V converter. I asked about a 110V model, but the only available 110V model looks cheap, and doesn't have the air or oil lines.
It's going to need to be either mounted to a flat surface, or there are magnetic mounting blocks sold to be able to relocate it easily.
Most of the other tapping arms are quite a bit more expensive:
WHERE TO BUY:
110V TO 220V AC CONVERTER For Electric Tapping Arm
Most of these electric tapping arms are 220V. I'll run it off 220V if there's 220V available nearby. 110V is much more convenient, especially with the low 600W rated power draw of the tapping tool. The general rule of thumb with AC converters is that you want one rated for twice the wattage, especially for resistive (heat generating) loads. For the 600W-rated power of the tapping tool, I chose this 2000W AC step-up converter to have plenty of safety factor above the 600W draw, and it has a digital readout showing the output voltage and power.
WHERE TO BUY
MAGNETIC MOUNT For Electric Tapping Arm
This magnetic mount is sold specifically for the M16 size electric tapping arms. There are larger magnetic bases for the larger electric tapping arms. This M16 magnetic base cost $389, half the price of the electric tapping arm, so it's quite expensive for what it is.
There are magnetic chucks that are much cheaper than this magnetic base, and possibly even stronger. Magnetic chucks are usually designed for holding steel parts in place for grinding or machining.
NOTE: I tried these cheap 6x6 magnetic chucks shown below and they were useless. They don't have nearly the amount of magnetic force as claimed.
WHERE TO BUY:
These chucks use a hex wrench as the key to turn the magnet on/off.
The top side will the the surface that magnetically attaches to the steel surface that the electric tapping arm will be mounted on. The bottom side will be screwed to the electric tapping arm base mount. Holes will need to be drilled and tapped into the bottom side for the electric tapping arm base.
WORKBENCH For Electric Tapping Arm
Specially designed work benches are available for the electric tapping arms. They have a thick T-slot table top with mounting holes for the electric tapping mount base. However, they are very expensive, costing more than the electric tapping arm itself.
WHERE TO BUY:
Our solution is to use the magnetic chuck mount to put the tapping arm on existing metal surfaces that we have, like the milling machine tables, work benches, or welding tables. If we decide that we need a mobile cart dedicated to the tapping arm, I will buy a tool chest with drawers. Then I can choose something a bit smaller to take up less space. I also hate cabinets with doors because stuff gets lost in there. It's only suitable for storing big things that won't fit in drawers. Drawers are way better for efficient storage, and usually, a deep drawer will store most of what a cabinet can.
WHERE TO BUY:
BIG RED ATW9907R Torin 7 Drawer Rolling Tool Chest: Multifunctional Toolbox with Wheels for Garage, Warehouse, Workshop, Repair Shop - Red
These Harbor Freight tool boxes are also a good option. I've had 2 of the larger ones for over 10 years, and they are still going strong with everyday use. The dimensions of the smaller one are 27in wide, 22in deep and 41.25 tall. This is a great height for working standing up or sitting on a stool.
110V TO 220V AC CONVERTER For Electric Tapping Arm
Most of these electric tapping arms are 220V. I'll run it off 220V if there's 220V available nearby. 110V is much more convenient, especially with the low 600W rated power draw of the tapping tool. The general rule of thumb with AC converters is that you want one rated for twice the wattage, especially for resistive (heat generating) loads. For the 600W-rated power of the tapping tool, I chose this 2000W AC step-up converter to have plenty of safety factor above the 600W draw, and it has a digital readout showing the output voltage and power.
WHERE TO BUY
DRILL CHUCK FOR TAPPING ARM
I wanted a drill chuck for the tapping machine to hold... well... drills... and other things like 1/4in hex shank bits.
The M16 sized electric tapping arms utilize a GT12 quick release connection. This drill chuck adapter set will fit the GT12 quick release connection on the M16 electric tapping machine. I bought and used this chuck and can confirm that it works great.
WHERE TO BUY:
ER COLLET CHUCK FOR TAPPING ARM
ER collets are another great way to hold drill bits or taps (as a last resort when non of the tap collets will fit some odd sized taps). There are ER20 Collet chucks available for GT12 quick release connections on the M16 tapping machine arm.
WHERE TO BUY:
ER collets don't usually have the square to prevent the tap from spinning. However, if properly tightened, and using small taps, the tap will probably break before it slips. There are some ER collets available that are designed for holding taps and have the square shape built into the collet.
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