Cloning Vintage Knobs

[@riteandleft]

Excellent informative video with a great sense of humour too. Top bloke!

[@andrewrobotbuilder]

I absolutely love how the silicon picks up the tiny surface scratches and makes the new part look just as worn as the originals - a matching set!

[@MrBriankerri]

5:41

[@MrBriankerri]

Need to make a vintage lawnmower gear shift handle. I’m going to try this method .

[@Rompler_Rocco]

Wesley Treat, sir, you are exactly what makes KZbin so damn cool.

[@fmh357]

That is so clever. Especially sanding down the wooden dowel and installing it for the flat. I learned a few things today. Thank you.

[@1950cappie]

I collect old test equiptment, radios, gadgets etc... Now I've collected your much needed subscription. Thanks for having me aboard!

[@lockbreaker7961]

It’s rare to see a man who likes working with knobs that much!

[@InformationIsTheEdge]

The process was cool but the presentation was a LOT cooler! Thanks for making that so fun!

[@henryford5151]

Brilliant video making. No crappy music, no lacklustre commentary, you clearly know what you're doing and you love doing it. Brilliant!

[@kencohagen4967]

My father in law made several knobs for antique radios. This is one good method. He also built his own injection molding machine. He machined his own does, and made an injector out of a screw type hydraulic ram from an air stair from an aircraft wrecking yard. He also cast knobs like these. Cool stuff!

[@JohnSmith-eo5sp]

Something about the design of these knob-heads makes me think they are of German manufacture. When was this Tube-Tester built?

[@RuneTheFirst]

The spring-loaded knob for D-shaft controls was a popular design in the 30s and 40s. Just about every manufacturer used them, especially RCA. The design was for Bakelite because of its unique properties. It would not do well with setscrews unless the threaded element was a metal insert. It just stripped too easily. But it was quite stable otherwise. Hence the design. It would hold well. Manufacturers had to change designs after the switch to injection-molded plastic. If put under the stress of a spring for long terms they tended to crack or split. So they had to be re-designed. Some used sheet steel inserts that contained their own spring pressure. Setscrews made a comeback (they had been used on the wooden knobs of the 20s with threaded inserts.) Thanks for showing an easy way to copy these things. Many don't know this can be done.

[@jomercer21113]

Those Philcos are some over-engineered knobs! I cast and mold lots of details and knobs for vintage and antique sewing machines and furniture. I love Smooth-On products and their customer/technical service is unsurpassed.

[@jdniedner]

That's Brilliant! I want to change everything with a knob on it to these, volume in the car, diming switches, and so on. I think you're on to something there Wesley!

[@danielrodriguez950]

Not sure why this was in my recommended but I'm not complaining

[@ilovebeinagirl]

Me either and me either.

[@AalbertTorsius]

Not complaining, just subscribing. Must've been that restoration of an old oil dispenser and a car jack I watched. *Edit* The first one was this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGbVaZJtbt1mkJI and the second one was on the same channel.

[@ver64]

You Sr. Are an ARTIST and thank you for sharing

[@TheMeta6]

Wesley you teach me so many useful techniques that I'll never use.... thank you!

[@Chiefbobaloo]

I restore older broadcast mixers, this is just what I needed to see. Thanks!

[@MIgardener]

This was so cool! I can't believe how exact it looked.

[@richardgoebel226]

That is some very much needed information. Lots of vintage electronic equipment out there needing replacement knobs. Thanks for sharing!

[@SaitoGray]

I was that smug ass who thought he could tell which one it was and i was so wrong. That really freaking cool, i need to learn how to cast thing, that seem fun.

[@blingblong1]

you can tell? no you cant.

[@BigHeretic]

*SaitoGray* I could tell that it was the one underneath ! - no I couldn't, I'm just an ass.

[@michaelkessler3813]

i was wondering why the one underneath had a less scratchy look to it

[@Jsjeuducjejwjsif]

@@michaelkessler3813 no you weren't

[@michaelkessler3813]

Your Grandma oh you false mind readers

[@SMITHII_]

Very cool . Finding vintage knobs is one of the more difficult things with antique electronics. This will come in handy for sure.

[@Pillowcase]

that turned out way better than i would have expected.

[@Dardrum]

I usually never get impressed, but I am very impressed, nice work Wesley

[@Todd82TA]

That is friggin' amazing how well those knobs came out!

[@CamTarn]

Those knobs are little works of art deco loveliness :)

[@JohnSmith-eo5sp]

Could the the design of these knob-heads be of German manufacture?

[@rufus-h4h]

Wow! I have often wanted to replace a knob on a piece of equipment, but having worked in an injection molding factory, I know how they were made, and I never though that this could be done without the proper tooling. I am really impressed! Thanks for a great video.

[@GeekDetour]

I have no idea how I ended up watching this... BUT I LOVED IT! Awesome :)

[@ejkoford5303]

Dude works with resin and drill press and has the most perfect nails I've ever seen. Hows that possible?

[@xoxo-yu1gp]

wesley you are one absolute spiffing chap just found your channel and I'm totally smitten you are an absolute natural

[@jeremythelander5024]

Wow. That casting was spot on. Nice work.

[@iamaioshi]

Excellent video! ive been tired of the same old maker videos, with the music and the editing always the similar. You get a nice a up close feel, with no music, and you are genuine with your commentary! Love it! Also I too am a fan of old electronics and especially knobs

[@curtisowens6413]

What he said^^^^^

[@michael931]

Yeah, the restoration videos are the worst. No narration, fast forward, lots of rapid hammer tapping and wire brushing.. Only thing worse is the robot narrator videos.

[@BluntlyBlunt_]

Facts. 💯

[@paulcohen1555]

Every knob in kitchen appliances I've seen uses the same flat spring that the antique tube tester has. That's an amazing comeback!

[@____________________________.x]

I was going to suggest adding a layer of polish first, but looking at the result I reckon they look better with the scratches being reproduced. I hope you'll stick some of these on eBay, I'm sure some people would love a retro knob for their builds.

[@lnofzero]

Wow! This was really well done! Both the knobs themselves, but also the How-to video! Just enough information delivered in a playful manner. It is clear you love what you do!

[@SuperFredAZ]

Very nice. It's hard to believe how nice these parts come out. I was going to comment that you should 3d print the knobs but this technique is much better.

[@EricBarao]

Subscribed! I would LOVE to see your process for drilling and installing regular set-screws into the other knobs.. I've been looking for that DIY knob making information for ages, to no avail. This was a great watch - cheers!

[@bikecopjoe]

Thank you for showing this. I know now how to clone knobs for my vintage RCA radio and record player. You mentioned you had a "collection.' Please take a couple of minutes and show them. I would love to see what you have done and what you have. Again, Thanks.

[@jamesbaldwin9969]

I've got an RCA tombstone radio. It was missing the guts and sitting at the curb in great shape. I snatched it up and put my modern stereo in it. It's so cool.

[@teenapittman4241]

I started out looking for 3D printed knobs but this video seems the best way. It uses a common sense approach and doesn't make it harder than it has to be. I am restoring a 40's-50'ish stove and one of the knobs was cracked in half and the rest of them have stress cracks and won't take very much use before they crack too. The knobs are odd shaped, thin oval with a point on the side at the off spot. I will try this. I loved HR Pufnstuf and Sigmund. I had a redheaded, witchnosed neighbor whose nickname was Witchiepoo, as an adult in the 90's. Thanks for everything.

[@karlfimm]

This looks like a perfect job for 3d printing. Not the knobs themselves - those copies are far better than that - but for the knob fixing. Drill out a larger hole in the knob (say 10mm rather than 6mm) and print a small cylindrical part that has whichever complex shaped hole you want. Glue B into A.

[@shanerussell7335]

Karl Fimm or 3D print a post to put into the mold to create the proper hole.

[@xConundrumx]

@@shanerussell7335 ehm ... and how do you get the post out again once the resin has cured :) It won't be like the flexible liquid silicone mold and will totally be 'glued' in there.

[@shanerussell7335]

@@xConundrumx True. A really complicated post would be stuck, but a simple D-shape would come out easily. Put a thin coat of vaseline on it before pouring the epoxy.

[@xConundrumx]

@@shanerussell7335 ah that's a really clever idea! Thanks, should make a note of that. Mind you with the little ridges from the layering you probably want to give it a good sanding too I would guess. So the surface is smooth that is.

[@SavageSmithy]

@@xConundrumx use pva filament and simply soak your cast knob in warm water to dissolve it

[@Looey]

Brings back memories of going to the drugstore/chemist to test a batch of tubes/valves for the Zenith TV or the Emerson kitchen radio.

[@dfbess]

never seen a video of yours before, I enjoyed more than I thought I would ..thank you. Also I did not skip :)

[@pinkponyofprey1965]

haha yeah, same here! I even subscribed! I might even learn a thing or two plus a good laugh hasn't killed ... that many people ...

[@t0nito]

Same here!

[@mitchcline3289]

Thank you for this clear, concise and practical instruction. You give us novices some confidence that we can do it to.

[@lomparti]

That is amazing. Im thoroughly impressed!

[@cwize]

This project / video made me so happy.

[@ScottDLR]

You've got a new fan here. Can't wat to binge watch.

[@1967250s]

Maybe one of the best videos on casting I have seen. Even reproduces the scratches and wear. Most appreciated!

[@timsway]

Man that Tim Sway fella is handsome. Great video, btw. Very well put together. Thanks!!

[@GrazMakes]

yeah the guy he circled is very handsome indeed ;-)

[@radioengineering8247]

I'm very impressed. As someone who restores old gear like this, I know just how hard it can be to find replacement knobs that are identical. This process doesn't look too hard, and the results are amazing.

[@TheRadioShop]

As a vintage collector and restorer myself, I find this video to be excellent! Great job and thanks for showing this. Liked and subscribed.

[@JohnSmith-eo5sp]

3:23 Something about the design of these knob-heads makes me think they are of German manufacture.

[@stevenspaziani9159]

That was very crafty, and I thought you're castings were spot on.

[@forthrightnight]

Your video showed up in the recommended videos after Adam Savage's armor build. Frikkin' amazing!! I had no idea makers took things to this level. Liked and subscribed. Cheers from B.C.

[@hwally777]

I just discovered your channel and I'm very happy. So nice to see a true craftsman in his world. Thank you.

[@Jer_Schmidt]

Awesome video! I'm really impressed with the result!

[@gazookerman1328]

That must be a really satisfying to push that new knob down on that old shaft and find that something you just made fits perfectly...Great video!

[@smoothon]

Great video! Those look fantastic!

[@penelope5534]

So glad to have found you. I just bought a dresser that is missing a tassel style knob. I'm not sure how to separate the tassel from the base yet to cast it, but your video has inspired me to seek out all vintage knobs to cast them. Thank you so much.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Nice work! Always liked retro knobs like that! I need one of them for something, just don't know what yet!

[@rexmericle5068]

This is something I've wanted to try for a very long time. Now that I'm retired I have to give it a try! You make it look so easy! Thank you

[@Chef_PC]

Well, thanks for this video. Now I have a new channel subscribed and a host of new videos to watch. Oh, and a hankering to silicon mold anything and everything in my house.

[@AalbertTorsius]

_Everything?_

[@videogalore]

Superb - I can't believe how good of a copy this is! Excellent result!

[@catsupchutney]

+ 1 for Sigmund the Sea Monster reference.

[@keithjackson1180]

There were probably only a handful of people who understood it.

[@Biokemist-o3k]

Absolutely Brilliant work my friend!!!..I couldn't tell which one was the new one either....-John

[@garygerard4290]

wow, too damm cool you'd make a good neighbor!

[@Biokemist-o3k]

@@garygerard4290 Absolutely my friend!!I am in Pennsylvania..Where are you located??

[@Biokemist-o3k]

@@garygerard4290 I do not know if I told you about the 1928 Morgan/MG special that I am building. It is a wooden frame with minimal steel and it is built just like a 20's airplane with no propeller and no wings. here is the original ....kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWq0fpRtdrp3Y5Ysi=4iaIqa9qrYwkoIbB

[@LilMissMurder3409]

Finally, a DIY KZbinr with clean, manicured nails! IT'S A MIRACLE!

[@KennethNicholson1972]

Brilliant reproduction. Love the tester board too. In addition I like that you are nuts, funny, and you are willing to share knobs with your Brothers. You have earned my subscription fella.

[@chadseberg]

I love the word "minutia".

[@georgedennison3338]

Very surprised by the match. Never thought epoxy would look like an old phenolic knob. I've been trying to justify the materials and time to learn silicone mold casting; think I just found it. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and creativity.

[@koningbolo4700]

Spraying a bit of rubbing alcohol on the surface pops all the bubbles instantly...

[@Texaca]

This sounds interesting -- what you are saying, coat the surface of the knobs with rubbing alcohol? What does that do?

[@ncdave4life]

​@@Texaca, you didn't watch the video, did you?

[@kuzumisama]

But then you couldn't make the fun popping noise... :(

[@drslump9314]

@@Texaca i think he is talking about the bubbles on the green silicone mold. The ones one the knobs are cool because you are cloning an old one.

[@johnlake6321]

Fantastic!!! I dabble in ancient electronics too. Now I know how to deal with missing knobs...so long as I have a sample.

[@JohnnyRottenest]

I really look forward to WT videos.

[@briankays2635]

Quite possibly the greatest KZbin video I've ever watched. I stopped to think for a few seconds to make sure that statement was correct but, yeah, greatest KZbin video I've ever seen. And I've seen a bunch.

[@MakeSomething]

Wait a second, that wasn't Tim! 😄 Totally doing this for my guitar restore! Great vid!

[@WesleyTreat]

I think I know what my best friend looks like, David. 😜

[@perprzem]

Positive crazy hobby and very good way to resolve missing knob issue... man... you`re craziest hobbyst that I`ve ever seen... peace man, do what you love

[@HandToolRescue]

Awesome! Well done.

[@wynncull9415]

What a totally informational and entertaining man. I am impressed by his inventiveness.

[@MrRangiku01]

... You, my trollish friend, have just gained a new sub👍😂😂😂

[@jerryw2314]

Interesting video, thanks. My brother in law does pretty much the same thing, making knobs and parts. Never watched him work on his projects even though he has been doing it for over 30 years. Again. Thanks for posting this video.

[@kanati]

subscribing SOLELY due to the sigmund and the seamonsters references

[@NikonFM2n]

Me too. Damn the 70's were a great time to be a kid.

[@scottpecora371]

The 60's were even better, make a wonder what it was like the previous century, before electricity, cars, airplanes, radio, tv or computers and children had to rely upon their own imagination's. Our medicine and ease of life is no doubt better today, butch think the quality of life, daily living, no processed foods, and the belonging to a community where as a child everyone knew who you were, and who your parents were! We've gained tremendous things, but also lost and given up the same

[@sumnerbrent]

Sigmund song and I'm in too! I love it!

[@NikonFM2n]

The 70s were awesome. I was born in 71. Saturday morning cartoons and pop rocks. Jajajajajajajajajajaja

[@ChristopherSmith-bh4sz]

Superb result! Who would know? I love these panels. I was working, re wiring an old substation control relay room. It was full of relay panels, boxes, monitors etc all from the 50's and 60's. I mentioned that I would love cover one wall of my house with them, everybody just looked at me as if i was crazy, 'why?' they asked. Because it would look great! Im glad im not alone!

[@AddFilmmedia]

Oh, morse code at the end! ❤ .- - - = wt (nerdy) , old radio operator...

[@WesleyTreat]

You're the first person to notice!

[@RobMacKendrick]

QSL that.

[@mbaker335]

Problem is I thought the T was a bit short. So almost WE. Was it done by hand or with a keyer?

[@AddFilmmedia]

@@mbaker335 Probably translation software, don't you think? QTH? QTH Lund, Sweden.

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

It's always nice to view the work of a craftsman.

[@MrFingerBobs]

Not something I often ask, but what was you using to clean your knob?

[@WesleyTreat]

Just your run-of-the-mill 409.✨

[@EvenTheDogAgrees]

Wow, this was surprisingly fun to watch. Nice vintage gear you got there!

[@inhabitedbadge]

5:43, like surgery on a grape

[@nothanks7752]

exactly what I was thinking.

[@southtown2366]

First video ive seen from you! MAN I thought I was the only one that had a love for Restoring every nut bolt and knob! THANK YOU!

[@timbrown9305]

I just looked up "Sigmond the sea monster" . I was born in 1964 so how did I miss that?

[@jamienoel]

I was born years after you and remember watching it every Saturday morning. Those were the days...

[@TheWeirdSide1]

Wow that's amazing! Thanks for teaching us knuckleheads something today!

[@DavidPlass]

Surgery on a jellyfish! YMMD, thank you.

[@BADALICE]

That was great. Even the Sigmond song. Right to the point as well. I really appreciate that.

[@CreepyChappy]

You’re funny I subbed

[@wargunnerguy]

+1

[@killerkane1957]

Great job! I don’t know how many old knobs and handles I’ve tracked down over the years. I knew casting was an option but you made it look far easier than a search! Excellent work!

[@Traderjoe]

I thought I was the only one who sings Sigmund the sea monster theme song

[@Kara_Kay_Eschel]

I do 'Clutch Cargo'.

[@AtomicReverend]

I am a huge hands on guy and vintage liver and probably 8 or 9 years ago now I bought a knapp-Monarch "Redi oven". That is missing a knob, I have been looking for a vintage knob for ever never finding one that looks right for a reasonable price. You just gave me an idea and earned yourself a subscriber. Excellent job If you want to sell me a knob I am interested in purchasing it, just leave the hole blank for mine is a round shaft.

[@chrisobrien2375]

HAHA - I'm one of the 4 viewers that actually got the Sid and Marty Krofft joke...

[@leardvr]

You are my new best friend. I have a vintage Grand Stove I've redone and didn't know how to do knobs. I 💘 you man. I'm off to by supplies tomorrow. Even more excited about the idea of doing different colors.

[@WesleyTreat]

Be sure to watch some Smooth-On tutorial videos for all the details I didn't cover here.

[@biggreentruck4907]

Wesley, thank you for doing these videos. You are inspiring me to come up with projects that will put the tools that I inherited from my Grandfather to use. Also, all that mid-century design that you replicate is right up my alley!

[@cos6255]

One of the better how-to videos on KZbin - well done!

[@DTHuey]

You caught me off guard with that Sigmund bit...got quite a chuckle from it. Very nice job with these knobs!

[@GrandsonofKong]

As a Collector of many "old things knobed" this was great! I do restore most of the gear but love it to get it back to factory fresh if I can. Sometimes I can locate the right knob but at often huge cost! You video is great guide...thanks and subbed!

[@PierreaSweedieCat]

Awesome! Thanks for the jokes, singing, learning! And saving that old bit of kit.

[@crowznest438]

That was really fun to watch and your enthusiastic creativity is catching.

[@davidmbolden]

This is Fantastic! I've been 3-D printing knobs for my own projects... but this is just SO much better!