Anyone know how splines are machined onto a shaft? I'm specifically thinking about a steering shaft for the UJ to clamp onto.

Cheers.
Pete.

can be cut with involute gear cutters before hardening or pressed in by cold forming.

can be milled in or gear hobbed also

internal splines are broached normally iirc or possibly extruded though not sure on that

[Edited on 24/10/09 by liam.mccaffrey]

Just chop the splines off a scrap rack and weld to the shaft, no more leverage than detachable steering wheel mount.

To extend mine I used 3/4" tube and stuck the splined end in a lathe and turned down so it was a snug fit in the tube, fishmouth end for longer weld and plug welded.

Regards Mark

wot he said ^

I didn't read your post well enough i was thinking generally

I used a metal dowel just to be on the safe side as well.
Darren

Mine was a seriously tight fit (only fit with the aid of a london screwdriver) so i didnt bother with splines. I did weld it though

You can buy weld in ends from Rally Design or really nice ones from ADR Racing - not worth setting up a dividing head at that price