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
