Metric Threaded Inserts for Wood?

[propav8r]

So I've started cranking out some shift knobs on my lathe, but am having a problem finding good thread inserts to use.

Most of the ones I have made are going on T5 transmissions, and the most common thread (it seems) for those is 3/8-16. That's no problem, the local hardware store keeps those inserts in stock. They look like this:

I can get those up to 5/16 thread.

The problem is when I'm looking for metric inserts. Quite a few people have requested M10 or M12 shift knobs, but I just can't find anything that even seems like it would work.

As a side note, I can find knife thread M8 inserts no problem. Just seems like nobody makes them bigger than that.

Can someone point me in the right direction?

 

[gungatim]

no, but could you countersink a metric nut and fill the surrounding with epoxy? like drill the deep hole for the shaft first, tap it, then countersink a larger hole just deep enough for the nut and epoxy it in there. you'd get the dept you need for the shifter handle to not break the wood, plus the nut would keep from stripping the wood...actually drill the counterbore first then the smaller hole but you know that...

 

[Lassen Forge]

MSC maybe? Or Fastenersuperstore dot com? Shy of that, you may have to check some of the European supply houses... The little local ferramenta (hardware store) in Valfabbrica had them (all sizes) when we were there (had to repair some Ikea-ish B-I-Y Armoires) so I know they're not that uncommon, once you cross the pond...

 

[propav8r]

no, but could you countersink a metric nut and fill the surrounding with epoxy? like drill the deep hole for the shaft first, tap it, then countersink a larger hole just deep enough for the nut and epoxy it in there. you'd get the dept you need for the shifter handle to not break the wood, plus the nut would keep from stripping the wood...actually drill the counterbore first then the smaller hole but you know that...

I had thought about that...that might wind up being my only options, but I'm not sure I like it. I just don't see it holding up well for thousands of miles and thousands of shifts.

 

[Scott0023]

McMaster:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#97084A250
http://www.mcmaster.com/#97084A260

 

[BikerDad]

These guys in the UK. If you can't order from them directly, they should be able to point you to someone you can get them from.

http://www.theinsertcompany.com/steel_hex_drive_inserts_for_wood_headed.php

 

[Amrjon]

Are these what you need?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/20-PACK-...TS-/321766363335?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368

 

[MP&C]

McMaster has the brass ones you show in slotted drive and hex drive.

 

[propav8r]

McMaster:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#97084A250
http://www.mcmaster.com/#97084A260

Thanks, those look like the winners. Not sure why I couldn't find them...guess my google-fu is weak, much like my crimp-schwartz.

 

[EdT]

I have never had anything at McMaster show up in a google search which is unfortunate. You just have to go there and search. Their front end is better than any of their competitors, but searching sometimes requires a creative choice of words to find what you're looking for. For example,IIR, I was looking for some replacement hole punches for a RW hand punch. Searched on "punch" , nope; searched on "hole punch", nope; searched on "hole making punch", yup. They do not list many things by brand name either. Still the first place I look for anything. They probably have it if you can figure out what they call it.

 

[MP&C]

Thanks, those look like the winners. Not sure why I couldn't find them...guess my google-fu is weak, much like my crimp-schwartz.

Those are not made for wood. Try http://www.mcmaster.com/#95631A150 for the 8mm

 

[propav8r]

Those are not made for wood. Try http://www.mcmaster.com/#95631A150 for the 8mm

Sure, the ones posted above aren't specifically for wood, but I think it's going to be the best I can do for large metric stuff.