Threading Time Study

In a timed July 2026 production test, an Oster threading machine threaded 36 pieces of 3/4-10 NC bar on both ends, with every second of loading and unloading included. Here's what it measured.

Key Results

Measured Production Rates

4.6x the Cutting Rate of a 38 RPM Machine

Oster cut 3/4-10 thread at about 17.4 inches per minute. A conventional 38 RPM threading machine cuts the same thread at 3.8 inches per minute.

A Full Cycle Faster Than the Competition's Cut Alone

At 5 inches of thread, a complete Oster cycle (load, thread, unload) takes 29.2 seconds. A 38 RPM machine needs 78.9 seconds just to cut the thread, before any handling.

How the Test Was Run

Test Setup

• 36 blanks of 3/4-10 NC bar, about 12 inches long
• 5.0 inches threaded on one end, 2.5 inches on the other
• Run at 178 RPM commanded (about 174 RPM under cutting load)
• Full thread form cut in a single pass
• Timing started when the operator picked up the first piece and stopped when the spindle shut off after the last
• All loading, unloading, and repositioning included, with no allowances removed
• Each thread length was run as its own batch and timed separately
• The operator does not run these machines daily, so a full-time operator would likely beat these rates

What the Timing Includes

Estimating Throughput at Other Thread Lengths

The Cycle Time Formula

Cycle time per end = 10.8 sec + 3.69 sec × (inches of thread)

Fixed handling time is 10.8 seconds per piece. Each inch of thread adds 3.69 seconds, covering both cutting and return. This model matches both measured batches exactly. Actual rates will vary with material, dies, and setup. For setup and material guidance, see the Oster Power Threading Handbook.

Projected Rates on 3/4-10

Oster vs. Conventional 38 RPM Threading Machines

Oster Full Cycle vs. 38 RPM Cutting Time Only

A deliberately conservative comparison: Oster's complete cycle with all handling, against the 38 RPM machine's cutting time with zero handling.

With Handling Time on Both Machines

Adding a conservative 10 seconds of handling per piece to the 38 RPM machine (real-world load time is likely longer):

Why the Advantage Grows With Thread Length

On short threads, loading time makes up most of the cycle on any machine. As threads get longer, cutting time takes over, and cutting rate decides the result. That's why long-thread work like anchor bolt threading sees the biggest gains.

Notes on Method and Accuracy

• Thread lengths were verified against finished parts after the run
• Spindle speed is calculated from drive frequency and gear reduction, not measured at the spindle. The 17.4 in/min rate reflects the slight drop under load (commanded rate would be 17.8 in/min)
• Video timing of thread-only cuts carries about 0.5 to 1 second of uncertainty. Production rates in the tables come from stopwatch batch times and piece counts, so they aren't affected
• 38 RPM figures are calculated from published manufacturer spindle speed and 10 TPI thread geometry. No competing machine was tested

See What Oster Can Do for Your Throughput

Talk to our team about your thread sizes and volumes.