Myford ML10 single wheel knurling tool.

Looking for a good quality single wheel knurling tool for the above lathe, Most single wheel knurling tools are 1/2" shank, which will be difficult to get the wheel at centre height. Ideally i would like an 8mm shank. So if they are difficult to find, I have the option of milling down a commercial 1/2" shank, or making my own..

If I make one, then can anyone point me to a source of decent quality small diameter straight knurl wheels. Seem to be lots of cheap Chinese / Indian wheels, but at the price being asked, I doubt if they are much good.

Thanks,

Andrew.

Knurl wheels will be 'industrial' at £30+ and should be of good quality or hobbyist at say £5 a pair which may or may not be 'fit for purpose', difficult choice, also are you after straight or diamond pattern?

Tony

Edited By Tony Pratt 1 on 26/08/2023 16:01:05

Hemingway sell a couple of pairs that are suitable for their kit built knurling tools, they seem to be good quality, I am certainly pleased with the ones that I purchased from them.

Hi Andrew,

Why just a single wheel?

I would caution against using a single wheel knurling tool on an ML10. With knurling you are basically deforming metal, the strain on the headstock bearings is enormous with a single wheel knurler. I would use a clamp type knurling tool as there is much less strain on your headstock.

Absolutely agree with this advice. You will also have better control over the knurl as the pattern emerges because it's sometimes a bit 'hit and miss' as to whether you get a nicely formed knurl. I assume that is because the circumference of the knurling wheels will never be an exact factor (if that is the correct term to use) of the circumference of the work and you sometimes have to dig a little deeper to get an an acceptable pattern. Anyway, that has been my experience FWIW.

Hello,

'I just want to cut a very narrow, straight knurl. I am making some of the Myford resettable dials, which are described in a recent MEW.

I have no qualms about cutting a straight knurl pattern on a very narrow lip. The ML10 in question is the later ballrace headstock and is more than up to the job.

I do have a twin wheel knurling tool a la Hemingway style, but only diamond knurls to fit the same. Why buy two quality wheels when I only need one?. I have an aversion to the cheap Chinese / Indian wheels. I have tried them a couple of times and I am very unimpressed. Reverted to good quality ones, but my local supplier has retired.

So can anyone recommend a supplier of good quality, small straight knurls, or even a single wheel knurling tool with a small shank.

Looks as though I shall have to make it myself, so really just after a recommended supplier of good quality straight knurls.

Andrew.

Hello,

'I just want to cut a very narrow, straight knurl. I am making some of the Myford resettable dials, which are described in a recent MEW.

I have no qualms about cutting a straight knurl pattern on a very narrow lip. The ML10 in question is the later ballrace headstock and is more than up to the job.

I do have a twin wheel knurling tool a la Hemingway style, but only diamond knurls to fit the same. Why buy two quality wheels when I only need one?. I have an aversion to the cheap Chinese / Indian wheels. I have tried them a couple of times and I am very unimpressed. Reverted to good quality ones, but my local supplier has retired.

So can anyone recommend a supplier of good quality, small straight knurls, or even a single wheel knurling tool with a small shank.

Looks as though I shall have to make it myself, so really just after a recommended supplier of good quality straight knurls.

Andrew.

Andrew

If you search on ebay UK for straight knurl, there are currently several that look good

branded OLDAK

MichaelG.

I would think the Oldak ones if still available would be good if in good condition, they were one of the quality British manufacturers of old. I made the MEW resettabkle dials for my shaper there's pictures in my album. I used a straight knurling wheel from Gloster tooling on Ebay and made a very simple holder from a bit of bar. I think the wheel was under a tenner including post and it worked very well. Probably far eastern but have bought quite a lot of tooling from them and always been pleased with it. The re-settable dials are great by the way, I really enjoyed making them.

Dave

sorry Andrew but if you have Hemingway tool with diamond knurls why don't you buy a straight set from Hem and then you would have a tool able to do both patterns. I bought both sets when I made mine and as they are Industrial quality will do a fantastic job for a very long time in a home workshop environment possibly saving money in the long run(buy cheap buy twice)!!!

Bernard,

I do not have the Hemingway tool. I said that I have a knurling tool that is "The same style" as the Hemingway tool. Both are based on a well known industrial pattern. The knurls supplied by Hemingway do not fit my version. Ask how I know!

I had completely forgotten that I had a pair of unused straight knurls, now you have jogged my memory, I will get working tomorrow and produce the required item.

Thanks again everyone,

Andrew.