I’m thinking about trying a couple of projects using black iron pipe and fittings:

- Building window bars over an old garage window to prevent break-in

- Some furniture-type stuff using pipe as the frame and some wood pieces (workbench/table, stool, shelving)

I’m guessing that I’ll need to cut and thread about 40-50 pipe ends to do all of it.

Is there a “mid-range” pipe-threading tool I can buy that will last long enough to get that done so  I can buy bulk pipe lengths and then thread all the ends myself?

Rent one Douglas, this way you are not stuck with a crappy tool.  And you will save money.  And you will get a legit one.  And they will show you how it works.

I've been using a Harbor Freight welder for 9 years. Just say'n.

 

ETA: https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=pipe threader

9 minutes ago, Ray Ray said:

Rent one Douglas, this way you are not stuck with a crappy tool.  And you will save money.  And you will get a legit one.  And they will show you how it works.

Concur.

Yeah, but if I rent then I have to plan ahead and do all my threading in a short time period instead of at my own leisurely pace...
 

Renting one is the cheapest alternative but the longer you have it the more it costs.

While not the best quality I've found Harbor Freight stuff good for things you might do again at a later date.  Not for the guy who has to do it everyday but good enough.

Harbor Frieght is either a grand slam or a strike out.  If home security is your goal, get it done with a legit tool.  

1 hour ago, Ray Ray said:

Harbor Frieght is either a grand slam or a strike out.  If home security is your goal, get it done with a legit tool.  

Usually, a strike out, unless you're buying a one time use tool, then throwing it away.

I'd avoid the HF pipe threaders. Saw them in the HF store and was not impressed. I have a set of Rigid that were my father's. They have to be 75 years old, a bit dull, but still no comparison.

Rigid=Glock

Harbor Frieght=Hi-Point

Yes, a Hi-Point can serve as a self defense tool but when your life depends on a tool why go with a bottom feeder?

Talk to any plumbers you know, they might have some old Rigid hand dies which could be had for cheap

Home Depot will thread your pipes for free (at least the one in Bridgewater did), although you better be pretty good with the measurements or be prepared to go back and forth a lot

This might help you out...

 

I bought a $40 one from Amazon to do a gas pool heater project... worked just fine. 

54 minutes ago, BD104X said:

I bought a $40 one from Amazon to do a gas pool heater project... worked just fine. 

How many pipe ends did you thread, if I may ask?

10 minutes ago, DirtyDigz said:

How many pipe ends did you thread, if I may ask?

At least 10-15 and most were bigger 1 1/4.  I was even abusing it with a pipe over the handle as a “cheater” for more leverage... to be honest, I expected it to break but was pleasantly surprised when it didn’t.