Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
shaker knobs
peter kolb
>I have some shaker knobs where I cut off the tenon.
I would like to shape the base to a smaller diameter. How do I chuck this? BTW I plan to attach
a one inch magnet to the turned base. I'm hoping
that the knob with the magnet attached would facilitate the placing and removal of the magmet
thanks for you help peter in nj
Re: shaker knobs
Jay in TX (formerly from Ohio)
>I would turn it between centers using friction to drive it:
Explained...
1. Chuck up a scrap piece of wood a little larger in diameter than your work piece.
1a. No Chuck! Well then put a scrap piece of wood on a face plate. Read the rest of the instructions before determining the appropriate size piece.
1b. No faceplate! Well then take a scrap piece of wood (preferably seasoned/dry that is long enough to turn a taper on (corresponding to the taper size of your headstock/drive spindle) with appoximately 1 inch +/- left to make a fricting drive center. Turn a taper on the piece and insert it into the drive spindle. Remember to leave yourself that 1 inch +/- on the end that will face the tailstock.
2. Turn the scrap piece in your chuck to form an indent which will accept the end of your knob that isn't going to be worked on. A small "funnel shape" should work nicely. We're not trying to insert the entire knob into the funnel, just enough to ensure proper centering and security while doing the work.
2a. Read "2." and take appropriate action.
2b. You should have your wooden piece inserted into the taper of your headstock. Now read "2." and take appropriate action.
3. Now you should have a serviceable friction chuck to drive your workpiece. Now mount the knob on the lathe, nonworking side to the friction chuck. Bring up the tailstock and secure the workpiece. You may add "padding" (paper towel bit, foam, or 600 grit sandpaper is my preference) between the friction chuck and the work piece. This should aid in keeping the workpiece engaged during turning as well as help prevent unneccessary damage to the finished side of the knob.
4. Turn it! Do whatever modifications are necessary to the butt end of the knob. When parting, you can leave a small stem to keep the piece secure until you're done, then carve it (gently) off with whatever edge tool is available (skew, carving tool, utility knife, pocket knife, gouge, etc)
Hope this helps, I could've done it ten times over in the amount of time it took to type this out...guess that's why I'm not a tech manual writer.
Good luck.
Re: shaker knobs
peter kolb
>thanks Jay peter in nj
