Metal Knobs

[the_carl]

Where do y'all get cool lookin' knobs? I want some metal knobbies that are of the non-shiny variety, like so: http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-20x22-Alumin ... 2a0bdfd2f8

But, maybe like $2-$3 a knob like the brushed ones on Mammoth instead of $5-$6? Doesn't necessarily need to be solid metal, either. It just kinda hurts to pay $50 for ten knobs in the name of aesthetics when plastic ones are $0.50 apiece.

[Ben79]

Aluminium billet round bar is pretty cheap. With a saw, a file, a drill, a threader and a vice you could set yourself up to make as many as you liked!

[the_carl]

You know, it never even occurred to me that I could make my own knobs. Making knobs would be so much more satisfying than buying them. I've never done any tapping before, but I'll look into how difficult that might be. Otherwise I have the tools and whatnot. Thanks for the suggestion!

[Dr Satan]

Making your own is much easier said than done. There is a lot more to it than just drilling some holes in a piece of round stock. You've got two circles that need to be formed around a single axis, the hole on the inside, and the knob on the outside. Believe me when I tell you, 99.999% of aluminum round stock is indeed, not round. It's roundish, and for most purposes it works that way, but when you need something perfectly round, you have to make it round. And for that, you need a lathe. A small tabletop would probably suffice, but they usually lack adequate torque at the lower speeds you need to properly machine aluminum. But don't let me stop you from trying, the amount of deviation from center may not be enough for you to mind, personally it would aggravate the shit out of me, just like when I see a pedal where the knobs don't line up. Freaking OCD.

I'd say just buy the shiny ones from Mammoth and media/sand blast them or even try just sanding them. Or you may even contact Mammoth and see if they can get you some matte finish ones. I'm thinking they may have a media blaster in their shop, because I'm thinking they do the finishes on their enclosures in house. I may be mistaken though. It won't hurt to ask, their customer service has always been top notch for me. I think I normally have dealt with Blake, who I believe is the mod blakemoth, on the Mammoth forum here. It's safe to say, don't quote me on that.

[the_carl]

Yeah, looking into it more it's probably a project that's a bit over my head at the moment. I might try doing some out of wood, though, since I'd be less likely to hurt myself/equipment that way, get some practice drilling centered holes, and still end up with something cool.

I'll hit up Mammoth and see what they say. Even just oxidizing some knobs might get me close, but then they would probably feel gross.

[Ironbird13]

It just kinda hurts to pay $50 for ten knobs in the name of aesthetics when plastic ones are $0.50 apiece.

its not too bad a price diffence when you consider how they are mad... plastic- cheap casting probably moulded dozens at a time... Steel- have to be machined (turned, drilled etc) one at a time.
so it would take about 30 seconds probably to cast 20 -30 odd plastic knobs, and about a minute or 2 to machine steel ones....
(i used to be a machinist in a diecasting factory )

just giving you an idea of why the price difference

[John Matrix]

You could probably find some unique metal knobs by pirating them off of some cheap/busted stereo receivers from the thrift store.

[eatyourguitar]

you can get any knob cheap in china because thats where %90 of the worlds knobs are made. even the knobs that are not made in china will go through hong kong for sale and distribution. the only problem buying from china is the language barrier, the middlemen, and the minimum order quantity. alibaba and aliexpress are good ways to find information about each company, where the factory is located, who is the lead salesman, contact info, minimum order, free samples, and products available. you need to contact them by email with clear english so that they can use a translator. compare prices and product samples. if you find the same product in two places but one is cheaper, now you know who the middleman is.

P.S. ebay is the last place I would look for knobs. factory B stock ends up on ebay in small quantities. lots of those sellers are not associated with the factory at all. you will find people who make money walking to the corner store to buy cheap stuff to put on ebay to sell to americans who buy small quantities.