How Long Does it Take to Remove a Broken Tap?

If you are using one of Electro Arc’s metal disintegrators, the answer to this question is must less time than if you used other methods.  Specifically, this is kind of a hard question to answer.   Depending on the type of material you are disintegrating, the size of the broken tap, the depth of the broken tap, and the operator’s experience the total time may vary.  Let’s start by talking about the disintegrating process  (these steps may vary depending on the model of metal disintegrator you are running):

Of course, to start, you need to take the machine to the work site.
1) If you have a magnetic fixture getting it set into position will take approximately 1 minute.
2) You will want to make sure you have the correct size collet and electrode installed into the head.   This takes approximately 2 minutes.
3) Connect power to your disintegrating head.  This takes approximately 1 minute.
4) Connect power to your machine (twist lock connections).  This takes approximately 2 minutes
5) Coolant is connected to the 3-way valve on the machine- 2 minutes
6) Final alignment of the head. 1 minute
7) Disintegration time (1/2” tap) 2 minutes
8) Pick out and clean up of the tapped hole. 2 minutes
9) Break down and put stuff away. 5 minutes

Total Time 18 minutes

For broken taps:
¼” x 1” deep –  60 seconds

3/8” x 1” deep – 1:45 minutes

½” x 1” deep- 2 minutes

¾” x 1” deep – 4 minutes

Of course, it depends on the operator and how fast he is. Could be faster or slower.