hello Bob,
I wanted to reply to this post but for some reason I was unable to sign in. (of course it can't be anything I have done wrong it must be the computer!! :-[0
Anyway, yes you can cut a thread with engineering chasers. I have some of them and they work very well. there are lots of bits and pieces out there about thread chasing and I have probably read it all in my efforts to learn, which I am glad to say I did.
Thread chasing is a funny thing, you either have the touch or you don't, persevere with it, it will happen.
One of the funny things is I can chase a thread on the Graduate at 425 rpm but when I try to do the same on my Ax. 330 I can't because it goes at 430 rpm. Now not everyone will have the same problem, some woods you are better off slowing down to thread. some woods will not take a thread of a certain size but will do nicely if you change the thread tpi. I admit to not using a cutting compound but like Dave I add a bit of wax just to smooth the cutting.
When I tap a thread in wood I always try to cramp a band around to prevent splitting, ie on a handle for a wand. Or I cramp it with the chuck jaws.
Depending on the wood and the purpose thereof I will coat the threads, in and out with super glue just to help prevent breakout when in use. I will sometimes thread a joint and glue it just for a bit of extra strength.
Now reading your comments again I see I have missed the mark somewhat so in reply I have also used taps and dies to thread wood. Tapping the male thread can be a bit hit and miss as they tend to chew the wood up a bit.
Hope this is of some use.
Regards
John BHT
John Berkeley's book is very good.