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Turning a Gear Shift Knob

S

Steve Shelton

Joined
Dec 19, 2011
Messages
5
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Location
Marietta, GA
I've started turning gear shift knobs for VW's. The first thing I do is turn a cylinder and put a threaded insert into the end. Then I mount the correct sized Allen bolt on my scroll chuck with small jaws. I align the bolt using a dial gauge and tapping on the bolt, which is pretty tedious. Then I mount the knob and finish turning it. The problem is the bolt will not stay aligned in the chuck. The slighted catch will shift the bolt, then I have to align it again. I looked at the chuck jaws, and the inside is getting chewed up by the head of the bolt. Clearly, this is not working. Any suggestions on how I can turn the knobs on a threaded bolt and keep it aligned?

DSC_0424.jpgDSC_0426.jpg
 
I would cut the head off the bolt and grip the bolt shaft with your Chuck. If that doesn't work then turn a wooden plug that fits your Chuck. Drill a hole in the center to accept the bolt, secure with a nut. This will give you an arbor that is centered.
 
Steve, If you plan to do a lot of them,
I would suggest you get a morse taper collet to hold the bolt. This will self center be fast and easy to mount.
Alan Zenreich had a nice thread a video with a little luck this will point to that thread and video
Video shows using the collet in the tail stock. Collets work the same in the headstock.
http://www.aawforum.org/vbforum/sho...per-collet-in-the-tailstock&highlight=Collets
A draw bolt can be used with most of the collets but you may not need one.


Another option would be to turn a wooden morse taper and epoxy the bolt into it.
I don't think it is critical for the knob to be centered to a high tolerance.

Both require you to cut the head from the bolt.

Have fun.

Al
 
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