NO LATHE. Pro-quality Wood Knob Making by pocket83

This video explores multiple techniques for making wooden knobs without using a lathe. It was a dense one. There were far more details than could be included in the quarter-hour. If you plan on doing this, I suggest you watch the video closely for tips. For example, those six hex-bolts on magnets weren't just for visual spice; those were also super-effective knob finishing stands. The overall process is pretty nice. It's nowhere near as difficult or time-consuming as it might look. In fact, it would be reasonable to plan on batching out enough cabinet knobs for an entire kitchen in one easy shop day.
A few more tips:
If your knobs aren't spinning true on the drill, and you just don't know why, the culprit(s) may surprise you. One likely cause of error is the threaded rod itself. Cut the piece as short as it can conveniently be, and check its straightness by rolling it on glass. Another cause of wobble might be the coupler nut. Most of them are way out of alignment with respect to having a bore that's parallel to its sides. Check your jigs systematically for where they are introducing error, and then replace the part that's mostly causing the problem. It's usually not the knob-and even when it is, you won't be able to tell in the finished product.
Finish:
Most of those featured here were finished with a clear gloss Polyurethane, which is highly recommended. The Walnut and Maple knobs in the opening shot had been finished with a pre-mix Shellac.
*****
Chapters:
0:00 Preparation
3:19 Threading
5:30 Cove
7:47 Concave
9:57 Convex
11:28 Types
*****
Music:
Latinium by Javolenus (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. dig.ccmixter.org/files/Javolen... Ft: NiGiD

[@pocket83squared]

The belt sander jig @7:25 was one of my first ever video projects. Nearly a decade later, it's a bit weird to watch, but the chamfer-sander idea has proven to be awesome. It's still used frequently in my shop. Take a look if you've not seen this thing before. It's due for a better (and more concise) video, though: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXK1qYRuhMlkf8U

[@und4287]

Weird, but it works

[@jk1314]

You have mastered the art of educational videos.

[@pocket83squared]

That is a really nice compliment. This video was a dense one. Seriously, thanks.

[@user-cq8kc5es9b]

I see your videos university lectures!

[@davebullard]

I find your pragmatism refreshing and inspiring. I've been trying to see 'problems' through what I have learned of you lense for a couple of years now. I'm getting there. Thanks for persisting.

[@alec1575]

your content is seriously underrated; it deserves more views for the quality you have here.

[@ScottysVise]

This is the kind of video that helps a guy like me become a better woodworker. Thanks for showing the process.

[@pocket83squared]

Of course. Great to hear.

[@TheQuintessentialOne]

PBS give this man a new yankee workshop

[@easterpink7523]

You are easily the best wood-working KZbinr ever

[@cyrilnorrie8450]

Those are excellent knobs and some thoughtful methods in shaping them. Thanks for sharing!

[@WarLord18]

Been rewatching all your videos an im so happy to see new content from you

[@drewachong]

Great video. The steps were very well detailed and easy to follow.

[@KL0900]

Came for the rings, stayed for the knobs

[@woodsprout]

I love that secret knob-maker's access door feature :-D you found on your belt sander.

[@SharpAssKnittingNeedles]

Badass! Exceptional results with minimal toolage! You do amazing stuff and I know that I'm not the only one who appreciates it 🥳 you've downplayed it in several replies but you really are the height of educational KZbin, my dude! Very much appreciate everything you do!

[@brigitteprovost4306]

Bon travail, ils sont jolis ces boutons! Merci pour ces précieux conseils! 👍👍

[@homunkoloss6782]

on the level of conciseness this is something i aspire to :)

[@nanaandbump.]

These are some very clever techniques, thanks for sharing!

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

Brilliant! I always love someone who thinks similarly to me. Finding multiple uses for a tool other than it's intended purpose. I still use my old Craftsman tabletop belt and disk sander and now I have another use for it. This is my first video of yours and earned my subscription! Beautiful knobs!

[@tomholman2881]

.....ummmmm, "Gain of Function" for woodworkin' . Thanks Pocket!

[@Makwaa]

Good to see you publish again. I have missed your very particular style of video.

[@rolandsattler4927]

Thanks for what you do. I always learn something.

[@daveturnbull7221]

I've never failed to learn stuff watching Pocket

[@timbering4744]

MANCRAFTS @2:15 I see some of my tool are due a label change soon. :) After drilling and tapping the wood, add a few drops of thin CA then re-tap after its dry. The threads will last a long time.

[@pocket83squared]

Great idea.

[@ronrathbone3107]

Very well scripted and extremely informative. I really enjoyed this video and will use your techniques in my future projects. You are quite good at explaining these things, thank you for sharing.

[@delleio]

OMG!!!!! I never knew of the 3rd sanding plane......... I'm gonna go jump out the window.....Thanks.. I didn't know I was that stupid.......

[@igorkrstic8060]

Excellent technique.Than for sharing.

[@dinobuddy]

Pocket83 and 83² are some of my favorite channels. I made myself a handsome oak kururin and one of those inverting folding polyhedron cube toys following his videos. I realize KZbin is not a full-time gig, but I would always appreciate more videos! Thanks for the great work and for the favor of sharing your ingenuity and creativity.

[@CheveeDodd]

Nice little trick to making the cove procedure safe! I wouldn't have thought of the bearing.

[@markirish7599]

Great video .wish I could thumbs up twice

[@cmerek1]

Those are some good looking knobs.

[@mikeallan9574]

Excellent! Thanks Mr. Pocket. 😁

[@cjhoyle]

Excellent video. I especially liked the way that you made the convex curves with the belt sander wheels.

[@Rouverius]

Simple but lovely design.

[@MrUltimate49er]

Fantastic video and content. I have watched every video for the last 5 years!

[@nexus01gr]

I was going to suggest the use of thin CA on the wood threads (something known via balsa wood model making) but I see it has been already mentioned. I'd like to thank you, Mr Pocket, for showing the 'alternative' method of forming the grip side of the knob, with the portable belt sander. I'm in the process of trying to find uses for a small bench-top 6 speed pillar drill (besides drilling...) so I can justify buying one. Seeing that “hidden feature-port” on the “man/crafts” belt sander gave me an idea and one more reason. Always a pleasure, and again, thank you.

[@bookoo0193]

Just doing my bit for the fabled algorithm, anyway I'm probably never gonna use half the thing you make video about but I alway love watching you work and the way you explain things. I love the way you think and problem solve. Anyways love your content keep up the good work

[@pavski]

Glad to see you making videos

[@AlexanderDyer]

These are great knobs, I am looking forward to trying this out. Great work as usual.

[@timothybaker8234]

These would make great refrigerator magnets.

[@shaunbarrickman6339]

I’ll likely use at least one style and your technique in the near future, so thanks for this!

[@wayneblythe5713]

Great video, so in-depth.

[@kevinkruse88]

Saying you dont want to ask, is, you know... asking. but I def learned some good things .thanks.

[@pocket83squared]

After over a decade and hundreds of videos, I've not once begged for likes or subscriptions. I don't talk down to you with such ass-kissing. And that's _exactly_ why my channels aren't popular. To respect your time, not once have I used a sponsor. Maybe you could consider the high price I pay in order to continue to treat you with that respect.

[@kevinkruse88]

@@pocket83squared I can't tell if you are upset with me or not and I think that you and I both know that in the grand scheme of things it doesn't really matter. And I think it's probably more of a hobby than an income. But that's just an assumption But I also do actually really enjoy your videos. They are very remiss and of my high school and junior high woodshop of teacher.

[@patrickguillot3894]

Very cleaver ! Bravissimo !

[@sethbracken]

“MANCRAFTS” I’ve watched most of your videos and that’s the first time I noticed the sticker.

[@StrumHollow]

Nicely done and informative. Thanks.

[@alexbowie6316]

Always brilliant!

[@Nono-hk3is]

Dude, nice knobs!

[@GrumpysWorkshop4]

Amazing tips

[@funkysod]

Interaction points! :) Thanks!

[@VagabondTE]

Lot of great tips in this one.

[@fishindude72]

Lots of helpful techniques. Thanks for sharing.

[@daviddpg]

Cool video.

[@justwondering5540]

Ready for Summer

[@AlbosNoggins]

Awesome! Definitely first channel worthy content.

[@scotthutson736]

Nicely done and very well explained.

[@MrMagicBlox]

This will be an excellent t finishing touch when I refinish my kitchen cabinets. Thank you pocket!

[@chrisstearns10]

Great video!!👍👍👍👍👍💪🪵

[@pocket83squared]

Glad you found something you like!

[@kennymysak2079]

Great way if someone is wanting to make their own knobs to match their projects they are building thanks for the great ideas

[@bobdickweed]

Great video again man,,,Thanks for sharing...;-)

[@PatEm10]

I would need fancier cabinets for knobs that look that good!

[@DaveScurlock]

Really high quality video, shall indeed like and share (am already subscribed) ;)

[@gizanked]

Nuts and knobs. Maybe I'm not the polite company you speak of. Either way, great video. This is just me doing some of those little things to help out.

[@NicoSmets]

Nice. I could use a bunch of those.

[@ramilondon313]

After watching your chamfering device built, I had an interesting improvement idea for the hight adjustment, instead of actually lifting the table up and down with the wing bolts you could slide one of the table sides closer and farther apart(while maintaining parallel of course) from the other one, there by adjusting the size of the gap and effectively limiting how much "meat" is allowed to be exposed to the belt sander

[@adrianpivotto1916]

Besides KZbin were you ever a formal teacher if manual arts or where do you think you got your ability to teach. I would argue it takes a great understanding and a certain type of person to teach well

[@maxximumb]

Another fantastic video. I'm guessing the methods used could, with care, be used to make aluminium knobs.

[@bacon81]

Thanks pocket

[@henrydonaldson4665]

On the table saw, a smaller blade will take a bigger (as in deeper) scoop. The smaller radius means it can go farther in before it hits the edges of the knob a larger radius means a shallower scoop because of the reverse.

[@pocket83squared]

It would be hard to match that comment with a reply that's sufficiently condescending. Instead, you get a complete dismissal, and I'm going to get a cup of coffee.

[@russveinot5754]

The knob design is very nice and your sanding technique makes it easy to shape. If I could suggest about the threads. I just did a video (5 Minute Wooden Knob) about using the "slide in T nut" for the threads. I find that the t nut is the easiest and fastest way to get good threads into a wood knob. Your opinion of my t nut idea would be appreciated

[@dtec30]

Who knew a knob video

[@ironhead65]

Microwave magnets!

[@virtualfather4117]

👍👍👍

[@Jaspel]

engagement

[@c.armandon4270]

Okay

[@petal2metal884]

Now that is a sexy video!

[@StarchedPie]

At 8:47 you say a smaller blade will cut a smaller scoop, but wouldn't it be the opposite if the scoop goes from edge to edge? A 2" diameter blade for an extreme example would have to cut 1" deep into a 2" knob, but an extremely large blade would be almost 'flat' and barely take any material away.

[@pocket83squared]

The goal was really just to get you to think about it. If you'd like to explore the mathematics of it, you'll be comparing the respective volumes of two different spherical caps of varying heights & radii; so the answer is probably not as simple as _bigger scoop + shallower = less ice cream._ But yeah, my explanation could've been more precise.

[@Newmarketonfergus]

I was the 14th like

[@pocket83squared]

You also got the first heart! Spend it wisely.

[@drhfhs]

What's up dude

[@pocket83squared]

Not much. Rain day.

[@Maulo93]

Car enthusiasts are “petrol heads” so knob enthusiasts are “knob head” right?

[@JThriftybee]

:)

[@JThriftybee]

It is a joy to watch you create

[@pocket83squared]

@@JThriftybee Thanks!

[@DKWalser]

That's a lot of work to avoid using a lathe. If you only have a few knobs to make, fine. If you are making enough knobs to redo a kitchen, a lathe is the way to go.

[@pocket83squared]

Let's 100% disagree.