DIY Steering Knob

[looknlearn]

Does your knob have bearings? I made one a few years ago for a lawn tractor out of a door knob. It worked OK but since it didn't have bearings it turned hard and eventually wore out. Bearings may be overkill but even bushings would let it rotate smoothly.
I am in need of another knob so I am looking for some good ideas on making one.


Nice lathe work. :thumbsup::thumbsup: I have wanted a metal lathe for a while but don't have the money.

 

[J_J]

Looks good,

I have always put the spinner at 9 o'clock.

 

[J_J]

looknlearn,

Quote:

I am in need of another knob so I am looking for some good ideas on making one.


You should be able to chuck a piece of plastic with a 3/8 in bolt in a drill press, and turn down the piece to your satisfaction, and polish it.

 

[troutsqueezer]

No bearings. Thought about it but I'd have to buy the sealed kind to keep them from rusting. I think it'll turn OK, it feels good in my hand (no jokes) but if it doesn't pan out on the steering wheel itself, or wears badly after a time, I do have some Delrin rod which I can make a bushing from. Maybe I should do that anyway....hmmm....

9 O'clock sounds good. I guess when I'm put-puttin down the road it's easier to rest my hand on the bottom of the wheel.

 

[J_J]

The only bad thing about spinners is when your tire hits a stump and the steering wheel spins around and whacks you good. It jerked the spinner out of my hand and spun around before I could recoil. I couldn't feel my hand for 30 min.

 

[looknlearn]

You should be able to chuck a piece of plastic with a 3/8 in bolt in a drill press, and turn down the piece to your satisfaction, and polish it.

Thats an idea!
I may try that or go with one from tractor supply. I like the feel of the bought ones. I'll investigate it and see what I can find.

Ideas are always welcome.

 

[J_J]

Check these out.

spinner steering wheel

http://www.nextag.com/steering-wheel-knob/products-html

 

[czechsonofagun]

That's the Harbor Freight mini lathe, 7 x 10, made by Seig. Not a bad lathe for the price, as long as you do some modifications to it.

That's what I heard, I have an old Logan but this would be neat just for the detailed work and threads.