Quick-turn knobs on table support legs?

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 1:30 pm

Epoxy should work, but you can add strength by drilling a slightly smaller hole and screwing in the screw shaft. Also if you really want to torque it, drill a smaller hole(s) through your knob at right angles and insert a pin(s) through the knob and the screw.

You can really go to any length you wish. I think the plastic knobs I have on hand for clamps, etc. are epoxied together.

chrispitude · Post by **chrispitude** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 2:14 pm

charlese wrote:Love this thread! Hey guys, instead of investing in various plastic knobs, trying to find the right one - why not just buy bolts (with the right thread, of course) - turn your own knobs on the lathe, drill them and glue in sawed off bolts. You'll appreciate the knobs for a long time knowing where they came from.

I'm not a turner myself but I think this sounds like a great idea for those who do! You could even make a set of matching knobs for the smaller locking knobs on the undersides of the floating tables.

I'm going to go with the fluted knob I highlighted above. There's one wrinkle - the shorted stud length is 3/4", but we need 1/2". You can either leave the extra 1/4" on there, or hacksaw/grind it off.

The knobs are $1.96 each. I placed an order today. Once they arrive, I'll figure out what to ask for shipping (depends on whether I can squeeze this under 13oz or not, and how many you order) but it'll only be a few bucks at most. I'm not looking to make a profit.

pinkiewerewolf, you mentioned you were in for 8. Since orders above $15 ship free, I recommend you order them directly from this page and cut out the middleman and the shipping! It will save you money and me time.

The part number you want is "5T75DD3".

More to come!

- Chris

pinkiewerewolf · Post by **pinkiewerewolf** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 5:44 pm

You bet Chris, I can handle that...I think. LOL

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 12:08 am

pinkiewerewolf wrote:You bet Chris, I can handle that...I think. LOL

Oh boy!:rolleyes:

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 5:15 pm

Chris I need two, let us know the exact cost and where to send a check.

Can anyone think of other uses of these knobs maybe we will each spend $15.

james.miller · Post by **james.miller** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 9:09 pm

I have bought internal wrenching (socket head) bolts and their knobs and pressed the knobs onto them. My local Ace Hardware has the bolts and knobs in stock, the screws come in assorted lengths so you could get 1/2" length. I think the thread size on mine is 5/16" 18. They also have the round knobs but you can get more torque with the propeller style and getting them tight enough will prevent them from slipping in use.

[ATTACH]1211[/ATTACH]

chrispitude · Post by **chrispitude** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 2:28 pm

Hi all,

A partial shipment of knobs arrived while I was away. The knob itself is the perfect size for the support legs:

[ATTACH]1220[/ATTACH]

The knob falls to hand very easily, is easy to loosen/tighten, but is small enough that it doesn't get in the way. I'm very pleased with the choice.

The stud length is a little too long. I wanted 1/2" but they only had 3/4".

To trim the stud, I'm going to thread two 5/16" nuts on and tighten them against each other to act as a stop, hacksaw the end off against the end nut, pull the nuts back towards the knob, clean up the end with a grinder or maybe some emery cloth, then thread the nuts off which will clean up the threads. By grinding/sanding the end of the stud flat, it won't mar up the tubes when tightened. Plus, since the knobs will stay threaded in the leg bracket, there's no need to taper the end so it threads in super-easy.

Believe it or not, I bought 50 knobs.

Here's how the costs break down for 2 knobs:

2 2.08 4.16 fluted knobs
1 1.00 1.00 padded envelope
1 2.00 2.00 shipping
7.16 TOTAL

I ask $8 shipped if paying by check or money order, or $8.75 if paying by Paypal. Please email me at chrispitude (at) gmail.com instead of PMing me, as keeping track of everything via email is easier than with PMs. For four knobs, I ask $12 check/MO or $13 Paypal.

Thanks!

- Chris

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 9:29 pm

Your idea turned out to be real nice, Chris! You get an ATTA BOY! No, I won't be ordering any, but they are nice!

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 9:30 pm

Your idea turned out to be real nice, Chris! You get an ATTA BOY! No, I won't be ordering any, but they are real nice!

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 10:57 pm

1/2" bolts are too short by a hair unless the thread runs all the way to the bolt head. I thought about drilling out the top of the thread on the leg to accommodate the un-threaded top of the bolt but decided to just go with 3/4" bolts.