How to Use a Lathe Mounted Knurling Tool on Mini Lathes

Quick answer

To use a lathe mounted knurling tool on a mini lathe, mount the tool in the tool post, align the knurl wheels with the workpiece, set a slow spindle speed, and feed the tool into the rotating stock with steady pressure to create a clean diamond pattern.

Step-by-step knurling setup and operation

1. 1. Mount the knurling tool securely: Insert the 1/2" mounting bar into your lathe’s tool post and tighten it firmly. Ensure the tool is parallel to the lathe bed and the knurl wheels are centered on the workpiece height. A loose mount causes chatter and uneven knurl patterns. Double-check tightness before starting the lathe.
2. 2. Set a slow spindle speed: Use the lowest speed range on your mini lathe (typically 200–400 RPM). Knurling requires high torque and slow rotation; too fast will burn the metal or break the knurl wheels. If your lathe has variable speed, start at the lowest setting and increase only if the cut feels too slow.
3. 3. Align the knurl wheels with the workpiece: Position the tool so both knurl wheels contact the workpiece evenly along its length. Adjust the tool post angle if needed to ensure the wheels are parallel to the axis of rotation. Misalignment causes a single-line pattern or uneven depth. Use a piece of scrap to test alignment first.
4. 4. Apply steady, moderate pressure: Engage the cross-feed to press the knurl wheels into the rotating stock. Maintain consistent pressure as the wheels begin to form the pattern. Do not stop or back off mid-cut. Let the tool do the work—forcing it deeper will stall the lathe or damage the knurl wheels.
5. 5. Feed along the workpiece length: Once the pattern is established, use the carriage handwheel to feed the tool along the desired knurling length at a slow, steady rate. One pass is usually enough for a fine diamond pattern. Multiple passes can double-cut the pattern. If you need deeper knurls, increase pressure on the first pass rather than making a second.

Product details

• Lathe Mounted Knurling Tool: Creates a fine (0.8 mm pitch) diamond-pattern knurl on stock up to 2" (50 mm) in diameter. The 1/2" (13 mm) mounting bar fits the MicroLux Mini Lathe and many other machines. This means you can add professional-looking grip surfaces to small parts without needing a larger lathe or a separate knurling attachment.