How To: make Knobs for jigs and hold-downs

[timber715]

how about a short, well maybe not to short "How to make a Knob" for your jigs and hold downs.
start by making counterbore with a forstner bit.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t130/timber715/IMG_1437.jpg
with a holesaw, I follow the same center and cut the knob.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t130/timber715/IMG_1438-1.jpg
had several made.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t130/timber715/IMG_1440.jpg
I then enlarge the hole with a 5/16" bit to accept the T-nut.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t130/timber715/IMG_1441.jpg

[timber715]

with a light tap on the T-nut, I marked the mounting location.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t130/timber715/IMG_1449.jpg
which I pre-drill with a 1/16" bit to avoid cracking.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t130/timber715/IMG_1451.jpg
I screwed the bolt with a nut and washer into the opposite side of the T-nut.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t130/timber715/IMG_1445.jpg
just tighten the nut and the t-nut secures itself in place.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t130/timber715/IMG_1446.jpg

[timber715]

I later applied contact cement on both the knob sides and some 150 grit sandpaper.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t130/timber715/IMG_1460.jpg
once the contact cement is dry or no longer tacky, its time to put the sandpaper on.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t130/timber715/IMG_1461.jpg
everything in place.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t130/timber715/IMG_1462.jpg
and now usable..
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t130/timber715/IMG_1464.jpg
I hope it helps some...

[B2Bomber]

just to add what I think could help in getting the t-nut's teeth bite in is to use, say a wing-nut.
screw the bolt into the t-nut, ready to bite into the wood, then use the wing-nut to push the t-nut and make it bite the wood. this saves you from marking and pre-drilling where the teeth are supposed to bite in. works when I'm working with mdf. can't guarantee with other type of material though. hehe. disclaimer baga. ;-)

[timber715]

MDF is a very soft material that will accept the T-nut without problems. Hardwood will tend to crack in two if not pre drilled.

[2diy4]

That is how I make knobs for my audio equipment. My problem is how to tighten the knob on the shaft. I tried a set screw but the screw doesn't hold. Any other ideas?

[bbn]

How about using a spot of super glue? Should be strong enough for regular use but should be easy enough to pry off with a screwdriver if need be.

[timber715]

That is how I make knobs for my audio equipment. My problem is how to tighten the knob on the shaft. I tried a set screw but the screw doesn't hold. Any other ideas?
can you post a picture?

[JayL]

Bump.

This is a good thread. I use these and it works well.