Tap Magic?

[Levansic]

I know this thread is about one brand of tapping fluid, but allow me to offer a heretical solution that works much better for aluminum than this fluid or wax, and does not contain hazardous chemicals. Better yet, it is available in most schools right now!

Believe it or not, the best aluminum tapping fluid out there is the lustrous pink hand soap that comes from the dispenser in most institutional rest rooms. The next best option is viscous dish soaps like Palmolive or Dawn (do not try this with thin dollar store knock-offs).

Unlike the oil-based fluids, these soaps wash out cleanly with plain water. They leave no contamination if you need to weld (or anodize) the tapped piece later. They provide very good lubrication through the cut, and do not make as much of a mess, when compared to other tapping fluids. These soaps won't stain your clothing.

-- Len