Knurling on a 618

[phubbman]

I have an Atlas built Craftsman 101.07301 6x18 lathe. I'd like to do some knurling, but the machine is a bit light duty for a standard knurling tool to work well on steel. It presses against one side of the part, which puts a lot of strain on my bronze bushing spindle bearings. The lathe is really a light duty machine.

So i started looking at the scissors type knurling tools and similar styles that press knurlers into the work piece from opposite sides at the same time. There are a LOT of options out there. Can anyone make a recommendation on a decent, modestly priced knurling tool for occasional use? I don't mind making one myself if there is a good set of plans someone can share.

I'm trying to avoid buying junk, but don't need the Cadillac either. Middle of the road should be fine.

I currently have a wedge type OXA quick change tool post, but still have the original lantern style tool post in the drawer if that would be better for this.

Thanks in advance.
paulh

 

[T Bredehoft]

I bought a cheap 'bump' knurler, used the knurls in a scissors style of my manufacture, works a charm. The pins in the original were hard, I used them in my version, no problems.

Edit: correct typo

 

[Awround]

I built one based on one designed by Harold Hall and presented in Model Engineers Workshop. He has some plans on his website:

Two Wheel Knurling Tool




Ir worked very well but had a limited jaw opening. I saw a slightly larger version at Busy Bee Tools and picked it up:



Both have mounts for QCTP holders.

Cheers,

Adrian

 

[phubbman]

Thanks Adrian. Of the two, which one seems to work better?
The lower one looks like it could have more lateral slop than the upper one
paulh

I built one based on one designed by Harold Hall and presented in Model Engineers Workshop. He has some plans on his website:

Two Wheel Knurling Tool


View attachment 355063

Ir worked very well but had a limited jaw opening. I saw a slightly larger version at Busy Bee Tools and picked it up:

View attachment 355064

Both have mounts for QCTP holders.

Cheers,

Adrian

 

[Awround]

My go-to is the "homemade" version. The cheek plates do a really good job of keeping the arm deflection down. There is a great post on this forum on a similar design for a Sherline lathe by @mikey

https://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/a-straddle-knurler-for-the-sherline-lathe.83843/