Knurling tool – which one to buy

[petro1headParticipant @petro1head]

Loving my new lathe and have been given an interesting job to do for a pal.

This will involve a knurled bar so I was wondering what type I should buy?

[petro1headParticipant @petro1head]

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

Do you want straight or diamond knurl? I don't know if there is a tool where you can easily change the wheels. I have both the pinch type and the push type. For smaller diameters, the pinch are (in my opinion ) the best, for larger diameters, then the push type are necessasary.

BobH

[SaxalbyParticipant @saxalby]

I also suggest the "clamp" type knurler. As Graham says they put no strain on the bearings, and J&S one can manage 2 inch dia and wheels can be easily changed. I also doubt if any but the most rugged machines has cross slide screws man enough to take the pressure required with the "push" type knurler.

Barry

[_Paul_Participant @_paul_]

I have a home brew copy of the Hemingway kit produces very good results, as clamp type Knurlers go IMHO the smaller scissor type tend not to produce a very good pattern.

If you can try to get or make something substantial.

Graham thats a very elegant design, does it self centre?

Regards

Paul

[petro1headParticipant @petro1head]

Where do I buy one of those knurling tools Graham

Edited By petro1head on 03/10/2013 11:50:17

[petro1headParticipant @petro1head]

Posted by _Paul_ on 03/10/2013 11:44:47:

I have a home brew copy of the Hemingway kit produces very good results, as clamp type Knurlers go IMHO the smaller scissor type tend not to produce a very good pattern.

If you can try to get or make something substantial.

Graham thats a very elegant design, does it self centre?

Regards

Paul

How easy is it to make?

[steamdaveParticipant @steamdave]

The Hemmingway Sensitive knurler is a copy of the Marlco item. The design for model engineering first appeared in EIM vol 2(?), but Hemmingway have probably 'refined' that design somewhat.

Construction was not very difficult, and this said by a metal butcher.

Dave
The Emerald Isle

[_Paul_Participant @_paul_]

I built mine from scratch in around 4 hrs or thereabouts a bit at a time as the parts/materials came together.

Examine/zoom the knurling on the handwheel thats the quality it will produce.

Here is what you get in the Hemingway kit

[petro1headParticipant @petro1head]

Would you like to make me one?

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

You are now entering the favourite Model Engineer's trap of needing to make yet another tool before you can do the job you intended. Unless you friend is fussy about finish just roll the job along the bench putting a file on top and whack it with a hammer. Call it the artistic finish.

[Douglas JohnstonParticipant @douglasjohnston98463]

Hi Gray, I have never seen that design of knurling tool, is it a one off from inside your head or based on a commercial item. Are plans available or do we just follow the picture and make our own version?

Doug

[mechman48Participant @mechman48]

Here's one I made earlier, about 13 yeas ago, but it has done a few good knurls, its in need of modification so it's another one for the 'toduit' list.

George

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

I haven't got the face to post a picture of my clamp knurler after seeing Gray's. It was my first tool more complex than a d-bit, made around a bit of a broken display stand. It self centres and works, and now fits my QCTP as well. But it looks 'orrible.

To engrave my Meek-designed saddle dial I had to make a simple push in knurl, which worked fine – just a bit of bar with a fork in it and a hole for a spindle.

Neil

[petro1headParticipant @petro1head]

Does this seem any good, from RDG Tools [img]**LINK**[/img]

[Douglas JohnstonParticipant @douglasjohnston98463]

Hi Gray,

Thanks for the extra information about the knurler. If it is not in print in MEW can you say where it is being published, or give a subtle hint if it is in a rival publication.

Doug

[KWILParticipant @kwil]

Doug, see your PM

K

[Gary WoodingParticipant @garywooding25363]

Here's a knurler I made some time ago, together with a couple of examples of the results it produces. Full details of its construction were published in issue 72 of MEW.

Gary

Edited By Gary Wooding on 06/10/2013 08:12:34 (to re-arrange the photos)

Edited By Gary Wooding on 06/10/2013 08:14:01

[_Paul_Participant @_paul_]

Posted by Bogstandard2 on 06/10/2013 09:06:34:

Knurls can also be used to 'expand' a piece of material for force fitting into a hole.

John

Another example of knurling use was the Piston ring manufacturer Cords who aside from manufacturing composite piston rings for petrol engines to reduce oil consumption used to also offer a "Micro-knurling" service for your pistons in an effort to address worn piston "slap".

[petro1headParticipant @petro1head]

Great info John, thanks

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

Indeed, useful comments.

Might also be worth pointing out that most lathe's bearings easily handle the side loads of a single point knurl – it is the cross slide leadscrew and nut that are really under stress.

Neil

[Author]

Posts