Elgin taps--new addition to my tools

[LittleWatchShop]

In my continuing quest to go broke as an amateur watchmaker, I picked up this set of taps.  They arrived yesterday.  All but one are in pristine!! condition.  These generally go for more than what I paid.

My plan is to make an Elgin screw plate using these taps, but there is metallurgy involved, so I need more education!!

 

[stylo9]

Bugger! I'm looking for the die plate which includes an elgin .0488 dia 140 tpi so I can make new screws for an Elgin Tank watch with screw back
If anyone knows where I can get a die plate for elgin screws, please let me know at *****@*****.tld

[LittleWatchShop]

1 hour ago, stylo9 said:

Bugger! I'm looking for the die plate which includes an elgin .0488 dia 140 tpi so I can make new screws for an Elgin Tank watch with screw back
If anyone knows where I can get a die plate for elgin screws, please let me know at *****@*****.tld

As far as I know, they do not exist.  You would need to make one.  Somewhere on this forum, @nickelsilverdescribes a simple method for making a one-off die.

I have been surprised that such a screwplate for Elgin and Waltham taps does not exist.  I guess, replacement screws were ubiquitous thus there was no driving need.  I don't know.

[JohnR725]

It looks to me like you got grossly ripped off there's a price tag on the box.

17 minutes ago, LittleWatchShop said:

I have been surprised that such a screwplate for Elgin and Waltham taps does not exist. 

I don't think I've ever seen the screw plate for American pocket watches as per watch manufacture. One of the problems of course is we have to look in a vintage tool Look at the right time span to see American watchmaking tools from the company's. For instance I'd be quite curious as to all the different tools that Elgin had available as they did seem to have quite a few

Then can't remember which book but somewhere out there in one of the watch repair books I have it does talk about how to make the taps and dies for the various watch screws. Of course you have to start with one of them to make the rest. Then no not go look up my books there's too many don't But I know I've seen a picture of how to make the dies.