Making Custom Knobs

[kirbywrx]

Ive really been intrigued latley buy custom knobs.

Ive seen spalted this and flammed that and it has really impressed me, but how on earth do you make them? I supose it would be a difficult activity. Is it done on a lathe or what?
Thanks!
-Kirbo

[godoze]

I made two sets before I decided to just let the experts make them...


Here is how I did it: I turned some 1" walnut stock on a lathe to round the material. Then I drilled the 1/4" hole for the pot. Then I drilled the hole in the side for the set screw. Instead of just going to home depot and buying set screws I made my own. I took automotive brake line and threaded it and then inserted it into the knobs at which point i inserted the set screw.

All was well until I put them on the bass and realised that I drilled the hole off center so the knob turned kind of on its axis instead of just turning in a cirlce.


I'm sure that I could easily fix that but making these things is VERY time consuming. I mean, VERY VERY time consuming, well, for the novice knob maker anyway.

SOme day I may try again.

[godoze]

Here are my walnut knobs...

[godoze]

Here are the oak knobs.
I had the oak laying around so i used it...

[Geoff St. Germaine]

I agree that making your own wood knobs is quite time consuming. On the other hand, the ones I have seen for sale are also quite expensive.

Those knobs look great Don. Too bad about being off centre.

Geoff

[godoze]

Thanks Geoff ! I'll probably try again- I just got some very nice Tulipwood stock.

This time I'll make sure my v blocks are set up properly !

[pkr2]

That's very pretty work, Donz.

I really like your idea with the brake tubing. In fact I like it so much that I'd like to try my hand at it.

If you dont mind sharing, what size brake line and tap did you use?

I no longer have a wood lathe but I'm sure that a drill press could be used.

Pkr2

[godoze]

Thanks...I used 1/8" steel brake lines but I do not remember the tap size offhand. I'll check when i get to the shop and let u know.