Knurling in the vertical mill

Purists, please turn away now.

However, for the more adventurous/tolerant of you, it is possible to do some simple knurling using the vertical mill. I simply don't have space or resources to justify a lathe as well as a mill...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgon6wE9whs

Clickable link added.

Edited By RJKflyer on 20/07/2015 19:44:55

Edited By John Stevenson on 20/07/2015 19:58:47

Edited By JasonB on 20/07/2015 20:01:54

Only I think if you can fit and use a clamp type knurling tool on the item to be knurled.

That should work since there would be no undue side load on the quill bearings, they can handle cutter loadings but not the heavy side loading from a traditional lathe tool post held 2 wheel knurling tool that is forced into the work.

We'll see what reaction this new heresy provokes!!

Brian

I don't think it will be the actual knurling that will provoke a reaction

Can't see a problem with that other than you need a pair of decent knurling wheels instead of the egg shaped ones fitted.

Yes John, I agree, but wanted to be confident it was at least doable, as the TiN wheels I have in mind will cost 4 times the tool... (but worth it as always for the right tools).

I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing gloves that near to rotating machinery - my nephew is an ambulance driver and he's seen the results of a glove being pullked off a hand too many times already.

Neil

I agree Neil, the sight of those not too well fitting gloves gave me the shudders. I work with gloves on in the garden, never in the workshop.

Otherwise, and interesting video.

Chris

Edited By ChrisH on 20/07/2015 22:29:52

Yes, some food for thought there and a video I found useful. I didn't really understand the bit about machining the two surfaces of the clamping bar that were not used on the lathe (and were therefore rough, unfinished). The two surfaces indicated are exactly the two surfaces that are used in my lathe setup.

As for the gloves, I agree with Neil .... I wouldn't do it. And the gloves used don't even look as if they would give any real protection anyway against cuts/gashes (not like say, sheet-metal gloves). Perhaps there's another reason for them RJK?

Very interesting method of knurling which is a new one for me !!! Please don't continue wearing gloves near rotating machinery.

Please dispense with the gloves... unless you like taking chances with your hands...

George

RJK If you have a fine downfeed on the quill you can also turn diameters with a lathe cutting tool set up in the vice, or perhaps you do this already.

Emgee

I have returned to the post today to see what kind of hornet's nest was stirred up. The U tube video had been added since my first response----neither that or the link work now having been blocked, so I am commenting 'blind' I fdidn't look at it the first time

I will add that mill spindle speed might be a limiting factor. I find clamp knurling on my Myford completely successful in the low back gear range roughly between 30 and 50 rpm. Tooling is all held mechanically.

I can't really see why any hand holding would be considered helpful, let alone wise, with or without gloves.

Brian

Taking things a bit firther today I ran a test on a piece of 3/8 inch steel bar. The set up was on my Dore-Westbury mill, spindle speed 43 rpm using a Marlco knurling tool clamped in a big machine vice.

The results follow