2025 Spring Triple Start Tap and Die Group Buy

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
H

hooked

Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2019
Messages
382
Location
Sudbury, MA
2025 Spring Triple Start Tap and Die Group Buy​

My name is Mark, and I will organize the Tapco group buy this year. I will borrow a lot from @RobS, @hokie, and other past organizers since they all completed previous group buys. This post and group buy offer have been approved by @Monty, the IAP group buy coordinator.

This buy is focused on achieving the maximum discount for our members on triple-start tooling used for custom/kitless/bespoke pen making. These are the taps and dies many use to make triple-start cap threads, which can result in fewer turns to get the cap onto the body of the pen, a quality in custom penmaking that many customers appreciate.

Please note that I will not accept payment until after the offer ends. This allows you to order a product to help hit our quantity goals but will enable you to opt out if our group's quantity goals are unmet.


PRICING​

The original pricing details from Tapco are attached to this post. You can also visit the thread on gauging interest to see pricing discounts.


TERMINOLOGY​

The US and EU use different terms to identify a TAP.
For this group buy please refer to the diagram below.

1742524281505.png


  • Taper Tap (8-10 tapered threads) is usually only needed when using metal materials
  • Plug Tap (3-5 Tapered Threads) may be used when starting in plastics
  • Bottoming Tap (1-1.5 Tapered Threads) is recommended after using a Plug Tap for transparent blanks, or in designs where the tapping depth is limited.
We are not planning on offering taper taps for this buy. Please research discussions from past group buys, or feel free to PM me to discuss the differences and answer any questions you may have.


Titanium Nitride Coating (TiN)

Titanium nitride coating is available at an additional expense on all taps ordered. The price for this add-on is on the price sheet for each tap. This is 100% optional and can be selected on your order form.

"Titanium Nitride coatings significantly improve the performance of tools and parts by increasing hardness, reducing wear, and extending service life. The coating can be used in a wide range of applications to increase cutting speed and accuracy while minimizing maintenance requirements."

1742524304627.png




HOW TO PARTICIPATE
​
If you want to participate, click on the large "place order" graphic at the bottom of this post. This will lead you to a Google form to place your order. If you prefer not to use an online ordering form, please contact me directly, and I will take your order through the IAP direct messaging system.

THE CUTOFF FOR PLACING ORDERS IS SATURDAY, April 5 AT 9:00 PM EST.

Since the discount we receive depends on the number of orders for each tap/die size, the exact cost of your items can't be 100% determined until all orders have been placed. The order sheet lists the highest possible price (if you are the only one purchasing the item) and the most probable lowest price (if the group buys 12 taps/12 dies). The price you will pay for an item is likely between these two numbers (and hopefully the cheapest price!)

TO SEE THE CURRENT DISCOUNT LEVELS, CLICK ON THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM. I WILL BE UPDATING THIS DOCUMENT MANUALLY, SO PLEASE ALLOW UP TO 24 HOURS FOR YOUR ORDER TO SHOW.

This google doc also shows the items each person has ordered. If you prefer for your order to remain anonymous, let me know and I will put "Anonymous" instead of your IAP username.


PAYMENT​

You will receive two invoices. The first will be sent to you the day after the group buy closes (April 6) and will be for the cost of your taps and dies, fees, shipping, and insurance. Payments can be made via PayPal. I will give you instructions for how to pay when I send you your invoice.

THE PAYMENT DEADLINE IS TUESDAY, April 8 AT 9:00 EST.

The second invoice will be sent later and will be for the shipping cost from Tapco. This cost will be split evenly among participants. Please pay this within two weeks of receiving it.

PayPal (2022 Tax rule changes)
When using PayPal, please use the "Friends and Family" option. This allows for money transfers without triggering a taxable event per the 2022 tax rules. Due to the new 2022 tax rules the "Goods and Services" option is NOT viable and will NOT be accepted as it will trigger a 1099 and will be seen as taxable income. There is $0 mark up on group buys and therefore "Goods and Services" is not appropriate.

All the items in the spreadsheet should be available for purchase. If for any reason an item is backordered or unavailable, your money for that item will be refunded to you.


SHIPPING AND INSURANCE​

I will ship your orders via USPS Priority Small Flat Rate Box. There is $50 insurance included with small flat rate boxes. I will add additional insurance for your purchase's full retail value as a default. The amount to be insured is the value of replacing the parts (the item's value without a discount). While this will cost extra, I STRONGLY suggest you accept this insurance. I cannot be responsible for what happens to your package after I ship it to you. If you don't want this recommended insurance, you may opt out on your order form. The order form also shows you the cost of insuring your shipment.

Tapco estimates that it will take "4-5 weeks, maybe sooner" from the time of our order (April 10) to ship. Once I receive the shipment from Tapco, I will ship to participating IAP members within 5 days. You can expect your brand new taps and dies in hand by early June (to account for shipping from Tapco and to you).

I am willing to accept international orders. Please note that shipping will take longer and be more expensive (starting at $41+insurance) if you are ordering from outside the US, and depending on the country, USPS may not offer shipping insurance.

IF YOU MISS THE DEADLINE FOR ORDER SUBMISSION OR PAYMENT, YOU WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE GROUP BUY.

Thanks for reading, let's get those discounts!

DM me if you have any questions.


placeorder.png


progress.png​







.
 

Attachments

Last edited:
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
As a side note, I am still waiting on part numbers for the bottoming taps for the single start taps. I am also waiting to hear back if there is a one-time tooling fee like in other group buys. Tapco did not mention this to me this time.


Edit: I just added the single start bottoming taps part numbers to the price sheet and order form. I was also told there is no longer a tooling charge for dies, so we will not be expecting that additional charge for this order.
 
Last edited:
I am on an airplane right now, but it seems the button is working at the bottom of the post. Please let me know if you do not see that button. Perhaps I should use a text link as well.

Here is a text link:

docs.google.com

TAPCO Group Buy Order Form

Please use the following form to place your order for the IAP Tapco group buy.
docs.google.com docs.google.com


1742580958282.png
 
I'd like to offer some advice that might save you some money. If you need a bottoming tap and all you'll be tapping is plastic then I wouldn't order a plug tap as a "starter" tap. I've made thousands of tool rests using only a bottoming tap so I know it will work just fine in plastic.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom