Cabinet Knobs

[mibeachrocks]

What to do with all of those rocks?  One thing that we decided to do as a family when we are out on our trips is to find unique rocks/fossils that would make nice cabinet knobs. I was not sure I would be able to actually make them, so I decided to experiment with a few polished rocks that came from my leland blue and granite batches. Our plan is to add a few knobs from each rock hounding/vacation that we take and add them to the kids bedroom furniture. We bought the 0 to 18 sets so they will have these sets until the leave the house. We are replacing the wooden knobs that came with the sets. Now each time the look at the knobs, it will hopefully remind them of a specfic trip. Also, they just look really cool.

The images and description below describe the process.  Enjoy.

Step 1: Polished stone
We choose stones that were about 2" (upper right stone)


Step 2: Using a drill press (not shown) and Rigid 1/2" and 1/4" diamond coated tile/stone/glass bits, I drill out a 1/4" deep hole in the back of each stone. I created the initial hole with the 1/2" and added water with an eye dropper during the process. Since the bit is a core bit, I used the 1/4" bit to knock down the center and moved the stone around to create a flat bottom to the hole.


Step 3: For the next step, I purchased 1/2" aluminum stock from HD and using a hacksaw cut it in 5/8" to 3/4" sections.
[No picture]

Step 4: Once cut, I used the drill press to drill a hole (cannot remember the bit size) in each piece.
[No picture]

Step 5: I then used a 8-32 tap to thread each hole.


Step 6: I then quickly buffed each piece to get rid of any tooling marks on the outside
[No picture]

Step 7: I then used a two-part epoxy to secure each aluminum piece into the stone


Step 8: Install the knobs on furniture and enjoy

[Jugglerguy]

Wow, that looks really good! Thanks for the step-by-step directions. When I drill with a core bit, I submerge the rock in a shallow tupperware bowl. I put a thin piece of plywood underneath so I don't damage the bowl when I cut through the rock. The tupperware is clamped to the drill table. I was worried at first that the water would splash and make my drill press rust, but I only rarely drip and then I just dry it off really quickly.

[mibeachrocks]

Dec 3, 2013 11:19:45 GMT -5 Jugglerguy said:

Wow, that looks really good! Thanks for the step-by-step directions. When I drill with a core bit, I submerge the rock in a shallow tupperware bowl. I put a thin piece of plywood underneath so I don't damage the bowl when I cut through the rock. The tupperware is clamped to the drill table. I was worried at first that the water would splash and make my drill press rust, but I only rarely drip and then I just dry it off really quickly.

Thanks for the tip. Drilling was the hardest part. I will use this method now.

[jamesp]

Great way to display and use them jewels! doorknobs too!

[Drummond Island Rocks]

Cool Idea and they came out great. I seen Petoskey stone wine stoppers done very similar this weekend at a craft show selling for $40.
Seems like it would be hard to hold those random shapes while in the drill press?

I did some for my sons desk in our rock shop but I went the easy route and used prefab hardware and just epoxied in some cabochons.
The rustic natural look of yours would be a big hit for all those cottages up north for sure.


Chuck

[mibeachrocks]

Chuck, the rocks are somewhat difficult to hold. All except one were mostly flat. I also use a rag underneath to help cushion them.  I also keep it on a slow speed. The bits are really good so they cut fast.

[Drummond Island Rocks]

I do my core drilling in a pan full of water similar to rob but I wonder if they sell a version of this clamp that would fit in the pan to hold odd shaped rocks while drilling.
These jaws do not have to be parallel to each other so it will hold odd shapes.



Chuck

[bsky4463]

Way cool - I like both the freeform and the prefab, very different looks but both very cool.
Would go great with Chuck's doorknob post from March forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/58578

[quartz]

What an idea, I like it. Based on a 0-18 age use group, those knobs will likely outlast the originals, and they look really good.

[mibeachrocks]

Dec 3, 2013 15:51:55 GMT -5 Drummond Island Rocks said:

I do my core drilling in a pan full of water similar to rob but I wonder if they sell a version of this clamp that would fit in the pan to hold odd shaped rocks while drilling.
These jaws do not have to be parallel to each other so it will hold odd shapes.



Chuck

I saw a miniature version of this type of clamp before at a wood store but though that I would never need it. Just goes to show you that you should never pass up buying a tool that you do not need at the moment. I I did use this clamp (with a v notched out at the front) to clamp the aluminum pieces to drill and tap. I do agree that this would be a great method to hold the rocks if I could find a small version. Another option is to make a smaller version. I have plans in an old woodworking book. I just need to find them.

[Drummond Island Rocks]

The local "woodcraft" store has them in a 4" version that might work but that store is a little high priced but they do sell nice stuff.

www.woodcraft.com/Product/2020512/22599/Pinnacle-4-Handscrew-Clamp.aspx

Chuck

[mibeachrocks]

Dec 3, 2013 18:11:43 GMT -5 bsky4463 said:

Way cool - I like both the freeform and the prefab, very different looks but both very cool.
Would go great with Chuck's doorknob post from March forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/58578

Thanks for the compliment.

I agree, Chuck's work is fantastic. It takes a lot of craftsmanship to not only cab the pudding stone but to get it sized right for the knobs. It is interesting to see the two forms that pudding stone can take for knobs. For mine, I left the edges and back natural but sanded and polish a smooth face. Unfortunately this meant losing a nice junk of red jasper. I still have a green mineral left (does anyone know what it is?).

Wow. That is a great idea. I would love to see one of the talented artisans that are part of this forum create this.

[mibeachrocks]

Dec 4, 2013 8:21:17 GMT -5 Drummond Island Rocks said:

The local "woodcraft" store has them in a 4" version that might work but that store is a little high priced but they do sell nice stuff.

www.woodcraft.com/Product/2020512/22599/Pinnacle-4-Handscrew-Clamp.aspx

Chuck

OK. That is where I saw it. I am there almost every weekend. Not to brag, but I was the first one in line on Black Friday. Great store. The staff is really helpful

[mibeachrocks]

Dec 3, 2013 22:36:15 GMT -5 quartz said:

What an idea, I like it. Based on a 0-18 age use group, those knobs will likely outlast the originals, and they look really good.

Thanks

[pghram]

Neat idea & great craftsmanship, both.

Rich

[Tommy]

Wow those look great! thanks for sharing your project with us I am going to add this to my list of things that I have to try one day :-)