Popular Post Bombarde16 Posted April 30, 2018 Popular Post Report Share Posted April 30, 2018 Had a bunch of this type of threaded insert leftover from a job last December and I need a supply of star knobs for a few upcoming jig builds. Here we go. Scrap 3/4" plywood. The geometry is trivial but I think it looks cool: 3" circle defines the total size. Swing the compass six times around the outside as if you're drawing a hexagon. Then drill three 1 1/2" holes around the edge. While things are still in a big sheet, it's convenient to drill the center holes, drive in the inserts, and run a roundover around the holes. Cut apart at the band saw. These inserts are 20mm which is longer than the thickness of the plywood. Moreover, I goofed the size of the center hole. Drilled 5/16", then ran into all sorts of breakage when installing the inserts. The instructions prescribe 11/32" and that extra 1/32" makes a world of difference. Some of the inserts cracked and cammed out before getting all the way in. There's still enough metal and thread in there that the piece is still usable, but the extra metal has to go and a belt sander makes quick work that. And, finally, a coat of paint to make them easier to find. Total build time was 90 minutes or so. I suppose I could depress myself by doing the math and figuring out how much money I saved and then convert that into an hourly wage; but I won't do that. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted April 30, 2018 Report Share Posted April 30, 2018 46 minutes ago, Bombarde16 said: I suppose I could depress myself by doing the math and figuring out how much money I saved and then convert that into an hourly wage LOL Nice knobs? Sounds wrong saying that but i like the design. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted April 30, 2018 Report Share Posted April 30, 2018 Well if nothing else it kept you busy and off the streets. When I have to fix artwork that people send me for a particular job, I charge $60.00 an hour and based on that rate it would have been $7.50 a knob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SawDustB Posted May 1, 2018 Report Share Posted May 1, 2018 Very nice. Although if you have time to be making knobs, you have time to keep your work bench moving along... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronn W Posted May 4, 2018 Report Share Posted May 4, 2018 I like it (them). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave H Posted May 9, 2018 Report Share Posted May 9, 2018 I was moving things around my shop yesterday, I had my Longworth chuck in my hand that's when I realized why you were making those knobs. Hope to see more of your build, it was fun when I built mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave H Posted May 9, 2018 Report Share Posted May 9, 2018 After I completed my Longworth chuck the action wasn't very smooth so I sanded plywood to 320 even slots, paste waxed every nook and cranny slots and all put 3 nylon washers on each bumper assembly between knobs and disk, between disks, between bumper and disk and between disks on center bolt once I did that that the action was smooth as glass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted May 10, 2018 Report Share Posted May 10, 2018 4 hours ago, higtron said: After I completed my Longworth chuck the action wasn't very smooth so I sanded plywood to 320 even slots, paste waxed every nook and cranny slots and all put 3 nylon washers on each bumper assembly between knobs and disk, between disks, between bumper and disk and between disks on center bolt once I did that that the action was smooth as glass. I'm going to have to try this mines not to smooth at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catco Posted May 10, 2018 Report Share Posted May 10, 2018 I've got a few extra threaded inserts too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted May 10, 2018 Report Share Posted May 10, 2018 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted May 10, 2018 Report Share Posted May 10, 2018 The phrase " nice knob " would be a whole nuther thing "across the pond " ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catco Posted May 11, 2018 Report Share Posted May 11, 2018 23 hours ago, pkinneb said: Picked them all up at auction for cheap when a cabinet maker downsized their shop. Not pictured are 4 more 1000 count boxes of each size. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted May 11, 2018 Report Share Posted May 11, 2018 32 minutes ago, Catco said: Picked them all up at auction for cheap when a cabinet maker downsized their shop. Not pictured are 4 more 1000 count boxes of each size. Nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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