• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Finsh type/ application for knobs

Colyn

Colyn

Supporting Member
May 31, 2019
40
32
nickledime, California
#1
Coming to you as a diy novice after having great success on a defret job thanks to these threads...

My partner got me this fab Spector NS Dimension multiscale (yes, I am bragging). You may notice that mirror finish... he picked up some wood knobs which are a beautiful match, but unfinished.

What do you recommend as prep and finish to get a matching shine?

I've seen posts for epoxy, tru-oil, and Mohawk laquor, but am specifically wondering about the challenges of working with knobs, keeping ny sanding even, don't have equipment like sprayers, etc.

Thanks!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1392.jpeg
    IMG_1392.jpeg
    4.6 MB · Views: 9
  • IMG_1390.jpeg
    IMG_1390.jpeg
    6.8 MB · Views: 7
#2
I make my own knobs and usually finish the wood ones with CA glue. Three coats while they’re still on the lathe. I usually do a semigloss that way but three coats should leave enough on the surface to buff up if you want, maybe do a fourth to be sure. I suspect a CA finish could be a lot messier and stickier without having the knobs on a lathe still.

Some of the ring turning guys use a UV cure finish that they just dip the ring and put it in some kind of UV light box. They seem to come out nice and shiny.

Otherwise the easiest thing would probably be to figure out a way to hold them, probably dowels that fit inside the knobs mounted on a board, and spray with your preferred finish.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gary_M and Colyn
#3
Matt Liebenau said:
I make my own knobs and usually finish the wood ones with CA glue. Three coats while they’re still on the lathe. I usually do a semigloss that way but three coats should leave enough on the surface to buff up if you want, maybe do a fourth to be sure. I suspect a CA finish could be a lot messier and stickier without having the knobs on a lathe still.

Some of the ring turning guys use a UV cure finish that they just dip the ring and put it in some kind of UV light box. They seem to come out nice and shiny.

Otherwise the easiest thing would probably be to figure out a way to hold them, probably dowels that fit inside the knobs mounted on a board, and spray with your preferred finish.
Click to expand...
What kind of brush do you use to apply the CA glue? My set up will most likely look like this.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Matt Liebenau
#4
Colyn said:
What kind of brush do you use to apply the CA glue? My set up will most likely look like this.
Click to expand...


I have the knob still on the lathe on a mandrel so with the lathe turning slowly I get a small amount of CA on the finger of a latex glove and work the CA over the sides and top of the knob. Let it dry and repeat as needed. Once I’m done I turn the knob upside down on the bench and flood some CA on the base to seal it. If I feel it’s needed I’ll sand or ScotchBrite between coats still with the knob on the lathe and turning slowly. I should get some good accelerator and speed that all up a little.

That’s the same thing I do with resin or acrylic knobs. Sand up to 1000 grit then hit it with 3M super duty compound then fine polishing compound. There’s some details in my thread but I confess I don’t remember which page(s). I have some blank prep in the last few pages but no finishing.
 
#5
Matt Liebenau said:
I make my own knobs and usually finish the wood ones with CA glue. Three coats while they’re still on the lathe. I usually do a semigloss that way but three coats should leave enough on the surface to buff up if you want, maybe do a fourth to be sure. I suspect a CA finish could be a lot messier and stickier without having the knobs on a lathe still.

Some of the ring turning guys use a UV cure finish that they just dip the ring and put it in some kind of UV light box. They seem to come out nice and shiny.

Otherwise the easiest thing would probably be to figure out a way to hold them, probably dowels that fit inside the knobs mounted on a board, and spray with your preferred finish.
Click to expand...
Hi Mark-
Had a little trouble getting an even application with the CA glue, so tried spray laquer which was a lot easier than expected. The knob's natural color was lighter thank I thought once it got the shine on, so I tried a light coat of black wood stain first, and got a much better match. Will keep experimenting with coats until it's just what I want.
Thanks for your help!!
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    6.3 MB · Views: 13
  • Like
Reactions: Matt Liebenau
#6
Colyn said:
Hi Mark-
Had a little trouble getting an even application with the CA glue, so tried spray laquer which was a lot easier than expected. The knob's natural color was lighter thank I thought once it got the shine on, so I tried a light coat of black wood stain first, and got a much better match. Will keep experimenting with coats until it's just what I want.
Thanks for your help!!
Click to expand...


Nice. Happy to help. I’m sure it’s easier to get an even coat with the knob spinning in a lathe. Post some pics of the final product.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back