Cutting threads into wood.

July 10, 2007 6:08 AM

Ways to cut threads into wood?

I'm looking to make some whirlygigs, but I only have minimal woodworking experience (I'm more of a metal kind of guy). Without a wood lathe, I'm not sure how I could carve a thread into wood. Any suggestions?

(For power tools, I currently have a drill, a drill press, a jigsaw and a sander- if any of those would help).

posted by drezdn to media & arts (4 comments total)

You'll want one of these
posted by zeoslap at 6:18 AM on July 10, 2007

Do you really need to make a thread though?
posted by zeoslap at 6:19 AM on July 10, 2007

If you do need threads the other way to do it is to go with a threaded insert
posted by zeoslap at 6:23 AM on July 10, 2007

The problem with making threads into most woods is that they'll strip out very easily because wood just isn't that strong in that respect.

The threaded insert could definitely work though. When most people attach things to wood, they use bolts or wood screws. Do neither of these work for you?
posted by DMan at 6:57 AM on July 10, 2007