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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Negativecreep0 on December 04, 2005, 10:13:07 pm

Title: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: Negativecreep0 on December 04, 2005, 10:13:07 pm
I have a multi switch box in my control panel that has a knob on it that allows me to switch between systems ps2,dc,pc.How can i extend the knob so it can reach the outside of my control panel side. I mean how do i extend the length of the knob shaft? what product or method could i use. I already know about buying different knobs but they dont make long enough ones. Thanks for any advice....
Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: Necro on December 04, 2005, 10:27:00 pm
There's prob. an easier way, but first thing that came into my head was get a metal rod, similar diameter to the one in the switching box you have now, cut an X groove into the metal of the switch/knob, and carve out a similar shape into the metal rod you purchased.  (could even do a solo groove, but it would have to be secured better to prevent slipping).

Then just put the knob on the top of that extended piece.  Would require that carved out too (would be detailed dremel work).

Just first thing that popped into my head. 
Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: Ken Layton on December 04, 2005, 11:24:20 pm
Some volume control (potentiometer) manufacturers make "shaft extenders".
Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: quarterback on December 05, 2005, 01:18:29 am
OscarControls used "shaft collars" to extend his volume knob

See here for more info: http://www.oscarcontrols.com/volume/

And here's a pic: http://www.oscarcontrols.com/volume/09.jpg
Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: dennis808 on December 05, 2005, 05:27:17 am
Here's another one:
(http://www.abbatron.com/photos/hdw_sha_shex_photo.gif)

Could you post some pics of your creation? I'm very curious since I'm also finishing a cab with a DC, PS2 and PC in it.
Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: Jabba on December 05, 2005, 06:33:09 am
Barring none of the above works, maybe you could solder two/three more wires to where the knob is currently soldered and add a second knob to the cab (i.e., extending by using wires).

Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: Bones on December 05, 2005, 06:46:09 am
(http://www.abbatron.com/photos/hdw_sha_shex_photo.gif)
If you know somebody with a metal lathe turning something like this up would be dead simple. At the worst I can imagine even a general machine shop would only charge a few bucks to have it done.
Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: danny_galaga on December 05, 2005, 07:15:34 am
that all looks so 'bought'! i used a bit of k & s aluminium tubing to extend mine. on the other end i glued a bit of whittled down dowel to fit the knob on...
Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: markrvp on December 05, 2005, 07:57:01 am
If someone has a direct link to one of those shaft extenders pictured, PLEASE POST IT.  I have been looking for one for months.

BTW, do a Google Search for SHAFT EXTENDER and see what happens.  There are 41,000 hits that all think I want a larger unit (if you know what I mean).
Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: quarterback on December 05, 2005, 11:14:56 am
If someone has a direct link to one of those shaft extenders pictured, PLEASE POST IT.  I have been looking for one for months.

Search for 'shaft collars' or "Shaft Coupling".   You'll easily find what you need.

Here's one place: http://www.surplussales.com/ShaftHardware/ShaftH-8.html
Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: Negativecreep0 on December 05, 2005, 11:35:02 am
YES!!!!!!!!!!! all the places i found are machine shops and they are like minimum 100 pieces per order

thanks i love you like a fat kid loves cake
Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: Ed_McCarron on December 05, 2005, 01:36:42 pm
BTW, do a Google Search for SHAFT EXTENDER and see what happens. 

Just don't do it at work.
Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: ChadTower on December 05, 2005, 01:39:52 pm

I find that if you get someone to rub the knob just right, it will extend itself.
Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: Thenasty on December 05, 2005, 03:59:15 pm

I find that if you get someone to rub the knob just right, it will extend itself.

yea, but is it long enough
Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: ChadTower on December 05, 2005, 04:05:39 pm

It's long enough for you, old man.  It's the knob that did the Kessel Run in under 12 inches.
Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: danny_galaga on December 06, 2005, 04:08:47 am

It's long enough for you, old man.
Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: Luckydevil on December 06, 2005, 10:18:15 am
1/4" Diameter Aluminum Rod: http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PARTPG=INLMKD&PMPXNO=2609218&PMAKA=505-6399

1/4" Shaft Coupler: http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=138288

Shiny Knobs: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102832&cp=&kw=knob&parentPage=search
Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: ChadTower on December 06, 2005, 02:35:27 pm

It's like the adult PPV listings on DirecTV.
Title: Re: Methods for extending a knob to outside of Control Panel???
Post by: DrewKaree on December 07, 2005, 05:57:57 am

I find that if you get someone to rub the knob just right, it will extend itself.

I find the knob never needs extending, he's always outside the control panel, waiting for me to whup his ass again with my awesome bo staff skillz