DIY: Knurling Steel
Knurling a metal rod is not difficult if you own the right pieces of equipment to complete the task. You can purchase small “table top” engine lathes at many home improvement centers. An engine lathe consists of a spindle, tailstock and a turret. You also need a knurling tool. You can purchase knurling tools from machinists supply retailers. You can get knurling tools that can emboss a diamond shape onto the surface of a metal rod to provide a stable gripping surface for the metal. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Secure a dead center to the spindle and then secure a live center to the tailstock. A live center has a bearing built into it that allows the center to spin freely. A dead center does not have a bearing so the spindle can force it to spin.
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2
Secure the metal rod between the two centers and tighten it with the wheel mounted to the end of the tailstock.
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3
Place the shank of the knurling tool into the turret and tighten the turret bolts with your fingers.
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4
Move the turret carriage so the end of the tool rests against the side of the rod. Position the tool so its end is square with the rod and then tighten the turret bolts with a wrench.
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5
Set the spindle speed between 150 and 300 RPMs and then set the feed rate to a slow feed.
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6
Inspect the turret adjustment knob for the number next to the dial indicator. Back the dial out to remove the tool from the metal surface.
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7
Manually feed the turret towards the tailstock until the knurling tool rests between the metal rod and the live center.
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8
Adjust the turret dial inward past the initial reading approximately .025 inch.
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9
Turn on the lathe and engage the feed lever. The knurling tool will move across the length of the metal rod and emboss the rod with the knurled print. Pull up on the lever when the knurling tool rests between the metal rod and the dead center.
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