Would people buy these shift knobs?

How long does it take to make one? Raw wood to finished product( total hours).

 

its going to depend on a lot.

actual turning time, probably 45ish min to an hour? but who knows... i kinda get in the zone and lose track of time. i havent timed myself because i hadnt thought of selling them until recently.

-i cut a piece of wood

-do measurements (depth of drilling will change between different shifters with length of actual shifter and then also length of thread)

-drill press

-epoxy insert inside (let sit overnight)

-turn it (often sharpening tools during this time to keep a clean edge)

-sand it

-(possibly brand the shift pattern if that works out)***

-apply finish (watco oil looked pisser, so ill probably continue doing that)

-install!


***just talked with my friend and theres a CHANCE that hell be machining a 5 and 6 speed shift pattern brand so i can burn it in to each knob. i looked into little buttons/inserts, but didnt really like the look of any i came across and couldnt find any with the right pattern anyways.

next one i make, ill definitely be keeping track of my time

 

That would look pretty. Not really applicable for my automatic though. Charge a price that keeps you from losing money or interest, I’m sure it’ll be fair for the craftsmanship.

 

My suggestion, don’t sell yourself short. If you’re putting out a fine product you take pride in, charge a premium price.

Think about how people shop. For some they want it economical so you could offer an economy version, less expensive wood, less labor intensive finish.

Then some who can afford a more expensive piece, premium or exotic wood, better finish. I’m not a wood guy, but I’m thinking of something called Birdseye?

Later down the road, quit your day job, hire a helper, rent a shop, hire a full crew, stay home and collect the money, yeah!

 

thats the plan

gonna make a batch and sell them based on the total work into each one.

 

when do you think you’ll start workin on them? Just want to know when to check back in so I can get on the list!

 

im hoping next weekend, but that may be a stretch. still figuring things out with my friend, im not sure how busy he is with work right now and if hes able to make the brands. ill hopefully be able to get some auto knobs done for next weekend (without need for the shift pattern).

ill keep everyone posted!!

 

Sounds good I’d still be interested in the “naked” version if the shift pattern won’t be in the works for a while!

 

Well, I’ll keep checking back and waiting anxiously.

 

messaged a couple people who showed interest, but figure it doesnt hurt throwing this out there. trying to get measurements for the 2nd gen manual 5 speed... @Philrab kindly hooked me up with the auto measurements already!

if there are 3rd gen guys interested out there, feel free to pm some measurements too!

accuracy is huge, if you could even send a couple pics per measurement thats even better, just to get reference in case the angle of the pic is misleading.

thanks!!

here are the measurements im looking for:

shaft from top of threads to top of boot

top of threads to the beveled section

and lastly, thread length!

 

$49 aint bad for that. They look great and i would def get one if i had a manual. GREAT job!!!!

 

making them for autos too! i may end up charging a little more based off of responses, but not gonna rip anyone off! more of a hobby than a moneymaker starting out, but considering covid-19, it may become my source of income

and thank you for the kind words

 

Your shift knobs are a thing of beauty, and I don’t mind paying for craftsmanship.

2nd gen auto dimensions should be all taken care of.

 

From one wood turner to another; very nice work!

 

thank you, it means a lot!!

 

Definitely would like to see a sample for an Auto. Imo for the auto just one similar to a manual wouldn’t be the way to go. Something similar in shape to the current auto knob would look very clean.

 

i would completely agree. im not sure what shapes would be good on an auto yet, but the issue is they have to be symmetrical because theyred turned, unlike the auto shifters being shaped taller on the front.

if youve got any suggestions, id love to hear them from some auto owners! any reference/idea pics would be great.

 

Those knobs are pretty sweet and love the dark finish

 

i appreciate it!

 

I think looking at your initial post, the taller of the two knobs, I’d roll that on an auto. I agree a shorter, rounder knob would look and feel odd, but a taller one more the height and dimensions of the stock knob (but symmetrical because they are turned) would be appropriate IMHO.)