Knurling tool/set

[Cato]

I'm looking for a knurling tool, preferably a set with changeable wheels to cover the diagonal/crosshatch as well as coarse to fine points. There are quite a few options from a basic Google, so can anyone suggest a make and/or source for something of decent quality?

 

[Kram]

Best option, expensive, would be a cutting knurler. Expect to pay £200+. Im unsure but they may be the only sensible way to do larger diameters.

The normal cheap option is a clamping knurler, they have a max diameter of about 30-40mm. Most are Chinese and I have had good results. Do it up tight, to prevent double tracking. Spare wheels are cheap enough.
Mine is from RDG but can not recommend it, poor design of the holder.

Push knurlers are rubbish and to be avoided. Same wheels as a clamp type, so if you see one cheap, easy to convert.

 

[Cato]

Best option, expensive, would be a cutting knurler. Expect to pay £200+. Im unsure but they may be the only sensible way to do larger diameters.

The normal cheap option is a clamping knurler, they have a max diameter of about 30-40mm. Most are Chinese and I have had good results. Do it up tight, to prevent double tracking. Spare wheels are cheap enough.
Mine is from RDG but can not recommend it, poor design of the holder.

Push knurlers are rubbish and to be avoided. Same wheels as a clamp type, so if you see one cheap, easy to convert.

So (and excuse my ignorance) does a cut knurler remove material and a clamping knurler just 'shove it about' for want of a better description? I ask because the main, or first, use I'd have will be to raise some points to give some grip to a shaft in a bore. So by the sound of it removing material wouldn't achieve that.

 

[Kram]

Yes you'd want a clamp knurler if your hoping to enlarge a shaft to fit a slighlty loose bore.

 

[Cato]

Yes you'd want a clamp knurler if your hoping to enlarge a shaft to fit a slighlty loose bore.

Thanks. Very useful info, and I can keep my eye out for a cutting knurler with more time to find a bargain.

 

[Kram]

This sort

Pardon our interruption...

www.ebay.co.uk

Couple things to note, many have the wheel retaining pins pressed in and not easily removable, limiting you to the original wheels or modification.

My RDG set, Ive remembered why they are poo, the wheel pins are the pressed in type and a sloppy fit, allowing the wheels to move/tilt. Rubbish. I'll either modify or make new arms.

Second thing is I run out of cross slide travel, so better with shank on the side instead of as the one I linked shows it.

@Lewis_RX8 did a great job of making one up, I sent him some spare wheels. His thread is worth a look.

 

[striker]

Yes you'd want a clamp knurler if your hoping to enlarge a shaft to fit a slighlty loose bore.

Or a hammer, centre pop and some patience!

 

[Cato]

Or a hammer, centre pop and some patience!

Your definition of "some" and mine appear to be quite a way apart.

 

[striker]

I was tought this as an apprentice for loose fitting bearings etc, before loctite bearing fit became popular...

 

[Lewis_RX8]

@Lewis_RX8 did a great job of making one up, I sent him some spare wheels. His thread is worth a look.

Here is the thread https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/clamp-knurl-tool-project.116737/

I made it for a mini lathe , just before I bought a big lathe of course but still works fine just on smaller diameters

I got really great results on the most underpowered and least rigid Chinese mini lathes so I definitely recommend over the push style.

 

[Cato]

I was tought this as an apprentice for loose fitting bearings etc, before loctite bearing fit became popular...

It's like all the filing and hacksaw work we did as apprentices, great for teaching and developing basic hand skills; as a teenager.

As a man in his mid-fifties, you can take your centre pop, file, hacksaw, and shove them right ......