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General Category => General Shop Discussions => Topic started by: chips and more on Aug 12, 2025, 03:26 PM
Yes, you can knurl Delrin and it isn't that difficult to do, at least for straight knurling. I would make sure the knurls are sharp, and clean. Ground and lapped knurls would be the best. Any imperfections in your knurlers will telegraph into the Delrin/work. And IMHO male and female diamond knurls work as well with a little more finesse. Have not tried any other type of plastic. Anybody out there tried knurling plastic other than Delrin.
I suppose the type of knurling tool design could have its differences on out come? I do not have a plunging type knurler. IMHO it's too hard on the feed screw and its nut.
I did try knurling Delrin and UHMW in the past with mixed results using a plunge knurling tool. Yours turned out very nicely! Like you, I prefer to not use those plunge tools, so knurling is something that I usually do not do anymore. Building a scissors style knurling tool is on my list of to-dos, but that list is huge. Eight months until I retire and I hope to have more time available then.
Was not a very good pic. Let me try that again. Never said I was any good, especially at taking pictures, LOL.
knurled delrin.jpg
Never tried to knurl Delrin. I bet a cut type knurling tool would be no problem doing so.