Main scenarios for Knurling

1. Better gripping surface  2. Decorative  3. Increase the diameter of work piece

To ensure you get a complete number of revolutions of the knurling wheel your stock diameter must be of a designated size. This will ensure the knurling wheel will follow in its same track once it has completed a full revolution on the stock.

• • Check the diameter of your stock and then find the pitch of your knurling wheel (this should be stamped on the wheel).
  • The 14p (coarse), 21p (medium) or 33p (fine) are standard pitches found on most knurling wheels.
  • In the Calculator below:
    • Set Your Knurl Wheel Pitch to the number found on the knurling wheel you are going to use.
    • Select your preferred Unit Of Measure.
    • Move the Diameter Index Slider until you see the diameter of the stock you are working with displayed in one of the Stock Diameter boxes.
      • If you do not find the diameter of your stock then find the next smaller diameter listed. This next smaller diameter is what you will need to turn your stock down to in order for the knurl wheel to be able to align to its own track upon the second and following revolutions.
      • The Calculator default is set for a 21 Pitch wheel and 1″ stock on hand.

• • Be sure to dress the edges of the knurling if possible. This improves the appearance for an improved finished look. There are may different types of knurling tools available. I prefer the scissor type as it reduces the load on the feed table and tool holder. The harder the material the more pressure and repeat feeds will be required to form the knurl. Most knurl wheels are rated for high speeds but most people prefer to use slower speeds. Knurling tends to be one of the last steps of the project and you don’t want to mess up something you’ve spent so much time on already. You can also alter the appearance of the final product by segmenting the knurl pattern with a V-groove or flat cut.