Need help with cutting a thread in a lathe...

[Kinkajou]

Good morning.
I have been using a very simple Grizzly 3 in one machine, you know, a small footprint equipment that has Mill/Drill and lathe. When I got it I did not know of all the limitations, I consider myself a self taught noob and try my best with what I have.

So I need need advise. I have read books and watched you tube instructional videos which have been great. But almost everyone has the same procedure regarding thread cutting on a manual lathe. They start by the tool which has to have specific angles and they use the compound on the lathe.
Problem is that I do not have a compound on the lathe that has a dial, so I can not move the tool in a diagonal fashion.

How can I solve this? Should I only use the X and Y feed on the lathe?
I can not make a nice part so far, but I do not want to do it with a  Tap an Die because it always end eccentric.

Thanks in advance for the patience and advice.

[wheeltapper]

It's quite possible to cut a thread without using the compound / topslide.
it only comes in handy when cutting a deep thread as by turning the topslide to the thread angle the tool only cuts on one side.

for smaller threads plunging straight in works.
in fact I removed the topslide from my import lathe because it suffers from weeble wobble itis. i only fit it to turn a taper ( and it's not much good at that either.

you do however have to have the correct angle on the tool which also has to be square to the work.

Roy.

[John Stevenson]

A very good reply. I always do it that way

[Kinkajou]

Thanks Roy, the same applies to internal threads? I will try it tomorrow.

[69CamaroZNut]

I have a Harbor Freight 3-in-1 machine.  If your machine is 8" to 9" to center of the chuck you can purchase any of the HF or Grizzly 3-in-1 compound rests/slides with the calibrated feed screw in Inches or MM dial for your lathe.

John