Making my own custom shift knob ...

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wquiles:
My prior posts were about machining flashlights, so today I have something different. Instead of buying a replacement shift knob for my car, I decided to try make one on my own.

I actually started by creating a way to hold the Aluminum I would use for the shift knob, so I created a short shift rod. I started by measuring the original one:

Here I am making the copy. I am using 12L14 "leaded" steel:

Once I got the shape right, I started threading (10-1.5mm):

Checked the pitch against the tap after the first pass just to make sure!:

And after a "few" pases I had a good fit:

This material threads great!. Close-up:

My threading tools all use sharp carbide inserts. This one in particular is a Kennametal tool:

OK, enough of the tool porn ...

Once I cut the screw to length, it looks like this:

And after Brownells "blackening" solution:

I then started with a round piece of 6160 Al, about 2" in dia, and about 4" long:

After the piece was faced, I drill and tapped it:

I then started to give it shape (I supported from tailstock end most of the time):

Once the shape was roughed out, I then started to do very light cuts using the compound:

And then it was done:

Before:

After:

Will

DaveH:
Will,

A very good post, very informative. :clap:

I thought your photography was excellent :clap: :clap: :clap:

The gear knob was very well made :thumbup:

DaveH

Brass_Machine:
Very nice journey! Great pictures too... the end result looks very nice. What kind of car?

Eric

wquiles:
Thank you guys. It is a 2011 Honda Civic Si, 4-door.

Trion:
Nicely shown making of the gearknob. And boy do you have a lot of fancy lathe tooling :drool:

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