Threaded inserts for knobs to pots?

[driftingupward]

I started making my own knobs but I'm having a hard time securing them to the pot. The hex screw I had lying around stripped out the wood and I'm thinking I should just do a threaded insert instead for the set screws. Anybody have a source for these?

 

[Matt Liebenau]

I use 8-32 heli-coils inserted into the wood (not the actual heli-coil brand but the same thing). You could also use a tap and cut threads in the wood then soak the threaded part in CA glue and, if needed, run the tap through again to clean up the threads. I’ve done that too and it works pretty well as long as you don’t crank down on the set screw.

I cover the tap and CA glue in this thread. I need to make more knobs soon. I can take pics of the Heli-Coil process if it will help.

Turning Knobs....

There’s also these.

DIY Knob Insert with Set Screw

Bitterroot Guitars has inserts for 6mm splined shaft pots but their website doesn’t seem to be working at the moment. Check in with them later if you want to explore that option.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

The Bitterroot site is working again.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Bruce Johnson]

I started making my own knobs but I'm having a hard time securing them to the pot. The hex screw I had lying around stripped out the wood and I'm thinking I should just do a threaded insert instead for the set screws. Anybody have a source for these?

Matt covered it......

But I'll add this: You may want to consider building up your knobs around a metal core, which will solve the setscrew thread problem as a side benefit. For example, if you are building your knobs to go on a standard 1/4" shaft, buy some brass or aluminum tubing, 3/8" OD x 1/4" ID. Saw off a short length of it. Drill a 3/8" hole in the back of your laminated wooden block. Epoxy the metal sleeve down into the hole. Slip a waxed 1/4" steel dowel pin down into the sleeve while the epoxy is drying.

Before you start shaping the block, drill the tap-drill size hole through the side of the block and through one wall of the sleeve. Tap the hole. The threads will be partly in wood, and partly in metal. Much stronger, and still look like wood on the outside.

Go ahead and shape the wood however you like. Having that metal sleeve in there also makes the shaping easier. You can plug in a 1/4" rod and tighten the setscrew, to use as a handle while you chuck it in a lathe or drill press, or hold it up against a sander. Whatever method you are using to shape and finish the knob.

 

[driftingupward]

Thanks guys. I will explore these options. I did tap the wood but didn't do the ca glue. I think the set screw I was using might be too fine of a thread too.