Mastermind
Work Saw Specialist
I run taps in the lathe just as srcarr does... when you reverse you should pull a little on the tailstock so the tap doesn't much the first thread trying to push the tailstock.
In this case (no pun intended) I'd have considered using a press-in stud.. I think the Husky 61's had them.. no threads in the case, and the square back of the studs could have a little bar welded between them to make sure they don't budge.
Looks really good and should hold well!
I did start my tap while the insert was still in the lathe. The insert slipped in my collet when the tap started biting hard though. That's why I ended up holding the part in the vice.