Nuts

Finished the tap, I didn't even harden the cutter, I was so excited to try it out. It worked pretty well for the first go around. I do want to deepen the cheep removal flute and work in a different wood for the nut, but I'd rate the attempt as a win.

The long grain cut very well, but the side grain didn't cut as well. Still looks completely serviceable though. This leads me to believe that the commercial versions are cut with a rotary cutter or CNC machine. Which is where I'll be directing my focus next.

Detail of cutter and clamping mechanism. it's a 3/8-16NC bolt cut down and slotted.

Overall tap.

And the jig nut, I was skeptical about using aluminum plate for the strips, but they worked just fine.