@Dannydefe
A few ideas:
Graphite loading:
If there is not a heavy loading of graphite at the interface of the nut and thread, it will always be sticky, and require lubrication.
Purchased Tap:
Keep in mind that the tap will in general reproduce the same size of the nut that you purchased.
If you were for an example to use Nylon rod and tap it, most likely it will be undersized, and produce a tight fit.
To compensate for this you will need to increase the hole diameter.
Trade off is you have less surface area in contact.
Thermoforming:
You might be able to heat up the threaded rod and thermoform a plastic nut.
Chrome plate threaded rod:
Another technique is to build up the surface of the threaded rod by chrome plating it.
Then cast your epoxy/graphite over it.
Adjustable nut:
Split the nut with a Dremel cutoff wheel.
Use a metal hose clamp to adjust the fit up between the shaft and epoxy/graphite nut.
Or, in addition to the split nut, cross drill in the region without threads and use a bolt and nut to clamp/adjust tension.
Lapping:
Use a lapping compound and run the shaft back and forth through the nut until if feels right to you.
Homemade tap:
You can make a tap from the threaded rod by grinding out flutes, I've done this many time to clean out damaged threads.
Cut the flutes at an angle so it can shear.
As it becomes dull regrind the flutes.
If you are cutting a hard material, a negative rake might product better result.
Case hardening:
If the threaded shaft is too soft to work as a tap you can case harden it, lots of ways to approach this, here's an old fashion technique.
Wrap a section of the shaft in leather, place it in a crucible (or wrap in SS foil) and heat it.
Time and temperature can be found with a search.
A few ideas:
Graphite loading:
If there is not a heavy loading of graphite at the interface of the nut and thread, it will always be sticky, and require lubrication.
Purchased Tap:
Keep in mind that the tap will in general reproduce the same size of the nut that you purchased.
If you were for an example to use Nylon rod and tap it, most likely it will be undersized, and produce a tight fit.
To compensate for this you will need to increase the hole diameter.
Trade off is you have less surface area in contact.
Thermoforming:
You might be able to heat up the threaded rod and thermoform a plastic nut.
Chrome plate threaded rod:
Another technique is to build up the surface of the threaded rod by chrome plating it.
Then cast your epoxy/graphite over it.
Adjustable nut:
Split the nut with a Dremel cutoff wheel.
Use a metal hose clamp to adjust the fit up between the shaft and epoxy/graphite nut.
Or, in addition to the split nut, cross drill in the region without threads and use a bolt and nut to clamp/adjust tension.
Lapping:
Use a lapping compound and run the shaft back and forth through the nut until if feels right to you.
Homemade tap:
You can make a tap from the threaded rod by grinding out flutes, I've done this many time to clean out damaged threads.
Cut the flutes at an angle so it can shear.
As it becomes dull regrind the flutes.
If you are cutting a hard material, a negative rake might product better result.
Case hardening:
If the threaded shaft is too soft to work as a tap you can case harden it, lots of ways to approach this, here's an old fashion technique.
Wrap a section of the shaft in leather, place it in a crucible (or wrap in SS foil) and heat it.
Time and temperature can be found with a search.
