55" Reach Electric Tapping Machine

55" Reach Electric Tapping Machine Overview

The Palmgren Universal-Tap Electric Tapping Machine is designed for small, medium, and large tapping applications where flexibility, reach, and variable speed control are required. Its unique articulating arm design allows operators to tap as close as 8 inches from the mounting bracket while still providing a maximum reach of 55 inches, creating a large working envelope even in confined work areas.

Equipped with a high-torque reversible electric motor, two-speed gear reducer, and variable speed control, the Universal-Tap allows operators to optimize torque and speed for a wide range of threading applications. The arm features lubricated-for-life bearings at every swivel point and gas counterbalance springs that provide weightless operation, making it easy to position the tap accurately across large or complex workpieces.

Key Benefits

• Provides a large working envelope with an 8" to 55" operating range.
• Allows operators to bring the tap directly to the workpiece with minimal effort.
• Supports small, medium, and large tap sizes with a single system.
• Offers variable speed control to optimize tapping performance for different materials and tap sizes.
• Provides smooth, weightless operation for improved operator comfort.
• Helps simplify tapping on large, multi-level, or difficult-to-position parts.

Notable Features

• Articulating arm with 8" to 55" reach.
• 3/4 HP, 115V, single-phase high-torque reversible electric motor.
• Variable speed range from 0–300 RPM.
• Two-speed gear reducer for torque and speed adjustment.
• Quick-change tooling adaptor (Size 2).
• Stationary bench bracket.
• Lubricated-for-life bearings at all swivel points.
• Gas counterbalance springs for weightless arm operation.
• Maximum tapping capacity: 5/8" in mild steel.
• Maximum tapping capacity: 3/4" in aluminum.

Common Applications & Industries

The Universal-Tap is well suited for machine shops, fabrication facilities, maintenance departments, repair operations, and production environments that require flexibility across a wide range of tap sizes. Its large working envelope makes it particularly useful when tapping large components, fabricated assemblies, fixtures, and multi-level workpieces where traditional drill press or machine-based tapping can be cumbersome.

The system can also support secondary operations commonly performed with articulated arm systems, including reaming, countersinking, chamfering, and thread repair applications. The ability to adjust speed and torque makes it a versatile solution for shops working with varying materials and hole sizes throughout the day.

Challenges This Tapping Machine Helps Solve

Tapping operations often require moving heavy workpieces, repositioning parts multiple times, or tying up valuable machining centers for secondary operations. The Universal-Tap electric tapping machine helps eliminate these inefficiencies by allowing the operator to bring the tool directly to the workpiece while maintaining precise control throughout the tapping process.

The articulating arm design improves access to difficult locations, while variable speed control allows operators to optimize threading performance across a wider range of tap sizes and materials. The result is a more flexible tapping solution that can help improve workflow efficiency and simplify repetitive threading operations.

How to Choose the Right Palmgren Tapping Arm

The Universal-Tap is the ideal choice for shops that require maximum flexibility across a broad range of tapping applications. While Palmgren pneumatic tapping arms are available in fixed-speed configurations optimized for specific applications, the Universal-Tap combines variable speed control, a two-speed gear reducer, and larger tap capacity into a single system. It is particularly well suited for operations that regularly work with different materials, hole sizes, and threading requirements.

Compare Palmgren Pneumatic Tapping Arm Models

Why Choose Palmgren

Palmgren tapping systems are designed to improve productivity and simplify secondary machining operations. With options ranging from compact pneumatic units to variable-speed electric systems, Palmgren offers solutions for a wide range of tapping requirements. The Universal-Tap combines a large working envelope, variable speed control, and weightless arm operation to provide exceptional flexibility for demanding shop environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the operating reach of the Universal-Tap?

The articulating arm provides a working range from 8 inches to 55 inches.

What is the maximum motor speed?

The variable-speed electric motor operates from 0 to 300 RPM.

What power is required?

The machine uses a 3/4 HP, 115-volt, single-phase electric motor.

What is the maximum tapping capacity?

The Universal-Tap is rated for tapping up to 5/8" in mild steel and up to 3/4" in aluminum.

Are tap holders included?

No. Tap holders are sold separately and must match the Size 2 quick-change tooling system.