Clamp Type Knurling Tool

[TomG]

(11-20-2014, 02:31 PM)PixMan Wrote: Tom,

I've got a good amount of 1018 CRS holding down the shelves on my stock rack which was gifted to me. It's a 16x40 lathe with (nearly) a 5HP spindle. I've tried using my Dorian No.10 knurling tool holder to knurl a 25 pitch diamond knurl in Ø1-5/8" 303 stainless steel and I just couldn't get beyond a light knurl. It just kept pushing away and moved the stock back into the chuck.

What is the coarsest knurl you've done with your tool, what material was it and what diameter? I've used some very robust diametrally opposed knurling tools in my work and had great success with the rigidity of the all-steel construction. Knowing just how much force was needed to knurl the 25 pitch in stainless steel is why I lean toward making mine steel, and I may also "scale it up" to accommodate larger work and the "next size up" knurling wheels.

Do you think it's still overkill to use steel, or would you still go with aluminum?

Yeah, steel is still overkill. I made some rolls for a grain mill (home brewing) and they were 1 1/4" diameter 1018 with a 12TPI knurl. That was pretty much the limit of this knurling tool but it's also not a knurl that I use every day. It would be plenty sturdy for a 24 pitch knurl even in stainless.

Tom