Knurling tool design & wheel size

I would like to design my own knurling tool. It will be a clamp type but thought first decision would have to be 'what size knurling wheels'. Can anybody tell me how best to decide/calculate the wheel size. I envisage wanting to knurl diameters up to 2 inch.

Thanks, Nige

When I was looking the common sizes available were 5/8 OR 3/4. I can;t see it matters much which when likely to be knurling ocassionally on a varety of sizes. As a beginner I built **LINK**

This one and it works fine for the time I've used it. Tere is a set of yutube videos to go wth it for anyone that needs them.. Everyone here seems to have their own favourite tool.

pgk

Nige,

Rather than re-invent the ( knurling ) wheel, why not use a proven, existing design. As pgk says, everyone has their own favourite, mine being a Graham Meek one. I chose it specifically because it copes with large ( up to 65mm ) diameter stock, uses a choice of wheel diameters and can be run very close to the chuck jaws, if required. The plans in Grahams book give all the details. Here's my version:

I slightly modified it to fit into the QCTP. I have to say, it works very well.

John

Thank you guys

I also made Toms knurling tool that pgk recommends and very good it is too. I will say though that I've found the correct size knurls are hard to come by.

I ended up making modified knurl holders to except knurls that are easier to find.

Steve.

Nige,

Why design your own? There are plenty of working designs out there already and yours will likely mirror one of those already existing - or maybe a combination of several. Some are better than others and yours may well not be as good as the best out there.

Make your own, by all means, but my advice is to choose a design which is proven to work (popular reiews) and get on with it.

I would be using easily purchased, good quality, reliable wheels from a good supplier. Making those as “few offs” is neither cost effective nor easy. Replacing, or adding, wheels later would be simple - and a lot less hassle than making your own to exacting standards.

Your choice in the end, of course, but that is what I would suggest. Re-inventing the wheel has been done umpteen times, but few have bettered the basic age old design of a circular rim running on an axle!

I like the Hemingway Kits Marlco copy. Not expensive, relatively easy to make, and does what it says on the tin.

Hi thaiguzzi. I looked at the Hemingway kits. Do they come as a kit of parts that just needs assembling or is there some machining to do as well?

Because it's a great way to learn?

A knurling tool requires thought about materials, geometry and proportions. While some designs may be more elegant and offer additional convenience, within broad limits any sensible design will work.

If Nigel comes up with his own solution, he'll be better placed to tackle the next challenge, regardless of how well it works in practice.

Neil

They just supply a pile of materials, you need to make each and every part.

Hi Nige,

Have a look at 'Toms Techniques' Youtube channel. He gives a great step by step series on making a really nice knurling tool of super design.

Best one I have seen! On my list to make fairly soon when I get time ....... Hmmmm!

Lots of other great stuff for the beginner also. I have watched them several time over.

Regards, Martin

If you need a knurling tool in a hurry, or you want a fine parallel knurle, get a flint wheel from a BIC lighter, put a bronze bush in the hole, get a bit of scrap steel to make the body, and that's.

Ian S C

I have built an enlarged version of Ken Johnson's tool as presented in ME 4435. I enlarged it due to having larger knurling wheels. Seems to work well

Bruce

Edited By Bruce Edney on 14/06/2018 10:59:53

Edited By Bruce Edney on 14/06/2018 11:01:02

I made the Hemmingway kit some years ago. If my memory is correct, the actual wheels are a bit of an oddball size and the choice of knurl is limited from Hemmingway. However choices were available from Cromwell Tools.

Pete

Form follows function

Indeed.

Hemingway drawings quote a 1/4" wide wheel.

I had 3/8" wide x 3/4" OD wheels lying around spare, so ground them down to 5/16" wide in the Stent, and used them.

Yep, drawings included as well.

All the Hemingway stuff comes as basic materials and drawings, some with instructions. You need to machine everything, but this particular kit is not difficult. I also found it to be reasonably priced.

Narrower wheels need a lot less force, but only an issue if you are trying to knurl in the centre of a bar.

Neil

Neil: I understand that narrower wheels would need less force but sorry, I'm not understanding the centre of a bar reference

Nige