As is often the case, the skill to work an item well is only acquired towards the end of practice. I struggled at first to get a good thread, and then discovered my alloy die holder needed the inside burrs sanded off to get the die to fit properly. One done then the die could by opened up for the first cut. Be sure to have the printed side facing the work. Eventually got a good thread. I was threading stainless steel, which is more difficult than mild steel. The die worked well once the skill was leaned.