'Pin' knurling an a knee mill

[l u k e]

I need to make about twenty knurled pins with a fine straight knurl. I don’t have a lathe so I thought I would try it on my knee mill. The knurl does not have to be real heavy, just enough to hold the pin in a properly sized hole. The pin will hold a micro switch in place in 6061 aluminum. The pin has a diameter of 0.0935” is 18-8 stainless steel and I only need to knurl about 0.100” on one end. One problem is the pins are only 9/16” long.

So, I was wondering if it would be a viable option on a knee mill? If so can anyone offer any advice on a suitable tool preferably one that won’t break the bank?

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[packrat]

I have one that I think came from Enco, couldn't find it on the website. McMaster-Carr has one thats more expensive McMaster-Carr

[spoiledbrat]

shars.com - Precision R8 Collet 332quot $4.50
H5936 2 pc. Knurling Tool Holder Set $14.75

If it were me, I would use the 3/32 collet to hold the pin, and set the knurling tool in your vise. It does not seem unsafe. You will have to find a similar knurling tool with the "fine" knurl. Not sure, but this should get you started.

Although I am sure that some would tell you to just buy a lathe...

Cheers!

Rob

***Edit... I feel like Captain Obvious all of the sudden.

[l u k e]

So you guys think this would work?

[Shane1234]

spoiled is on the right track for doing this in a knee mill. grab onto the part with your spindle, and set the knurling tool in your vise. you can then set your z feed on your mill to get a nice consistent knurl.

[l u k e]

Ordered the tooling last night, I'll post up with the results. Thanks.