Small metal knobs for manual stages

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ray_parkhurst
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Small metal knobs for manual stages

Post by ray_parkhurst »

I'm having no luck finding small metal knobs for replacing some knobs on several goniometers and XYZ stages which have belt gears. I want to use these stages manually, not with a belt-driven pulley system. I think most of these are 3mm shaft but some may be larger or smaller. Where can I find small metal knobs for round shafts with dual set screw locks? I've tried looking around in various places but so far no luck. Any advice?

g4lab
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Post by g4lab »

Try Newark , DigiKey or Mouser electronics. They can probably help and really get stuff out faaast.

MSC and or McMaster Carr might have them too.

ray_parkhurst
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Post by ray_parkhurst »

Thanks g4lab, I had tried DigiKey and Mouser with little luck, but not Newark. They do have a couple options...Ray

lothman
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Post by lothman »

search for potentiometer knob
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/potentiom ... s/7830189/

P.S.: did the Labophot gear arrive?

ray_parkhurst
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Post by ray_parkhurst »

Thanks for the link.

The knob arrived yesterday. Will hopefully have time over the weekend to go through install process.

Thanks!

Ray

ray_parkhurst
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Post by ray_parkhurst »

More than a year of looking and I have yet to find a 5mm shaft metal knob for sale. Any guidance? Tried all the usual places. Maybe I need to have them custom made?

Smokedaddy
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Post by Smokedaddy »

Do you mean M5? If so, have you checked McMaster

Image

-JW:

ray_parkhurst
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Post by ray_parkhurst »

Those are nice but they are threaded and have no set screw. I need unthreaded knobs for plain 5mm shafts with set screws for attachment.

rjlittlefield
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Post by rjlittlefield »

A couple of my goniometers came with timing belt pulleys already mounted. They looked a little funky but functioned fine as knobs, so I just left them.

Alternatively, you might consider 0.200" = 5.08 mm, for example DigiKey's https://www.digikey.com/products/en/har ... d=&pv73=52 .

--Rik

ray_parkhurst
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Post by ray_parkhurst »

Thanks guys. I had the Davies knob bookmarked but was hesitant to buy. I suppose it should fit fine. Will let you know...Ray

Deanimator
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Post by Deanimator »

This seems to be more what you're looking for:

https://www.mcmaster.com/#machine-compo ... s/=18t6pka

Image

The hole is unthreaded and it includes a set screw.

ray_parkhurst
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Post by ray_parkhurst »

That one would be great except smallest shaft available is 1/4".

Smokedaddy
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Post by Smokedaddy »

I was going to suggest to buy the next size down and drill your own hole and tap for a set screw. All the guitar dials I've used are 6mm so you're out of luck there. How about using a shaft collar, maybe even a split one. Not as pretty as a knurled one but it should work I would think.

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ChrisR
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Post by ChrisR »

For Dean's knob,
You probably know K&S brass tube:
https://www.alwayshobbies.com/materials ... brass-tube

The quarter inch size is a close slide over 5.57mm
Slit longitudinally it may be ok to use on 5mm shaft?
Chris R

ray_parkhurst
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Post by ray_parkhurst »

Good solutions guys! Thanks for the ideas.

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