I have been having a problem with 10-32 thread tearing while cutting 303 ro 304 Stainless steel. I have been using a mineral oil based cuttting fluid and cutting wax. I have vary steel all over the place without good results
I have been cutting the threades with a die. The threads I am cutting are from 1.5" to 2" long 10-32s. If I try single pointing them I get too much deflaction..
I am using a Greenfield die and cut them all in one shot (no back tracking) I haven't tryed Tap Magic, I really hate the smell!!, but I will try it, I have some in the shop. Thanks for the suggestion, very much appreciated!
You almost have to use one of the smelly (sulfur) based tapping fluids on 300 series stainless. It works better because of the EP action of the sulfur compounds.
You can single point them to slightly oversize, then run a nice sharp, high quality die to finish size. You may also want to reduce the major diameter a bit so you don't have to cut off as much. Should work great.