Thread: Brass thumbscrews

Hi Adam

Best of luck; I did a lot of searching for a supplier of reasonable quality brass thumb screws about 3-4 years ago, and couldn't find one in Australia - chinese junk excluded. Eventually I imported some from England. Also somme SS one from the same supplier. Both excellent.

Later I saw an article about making thumb screws by braising a brass bolt into a knurled brass hose fitting, then tidying up. Looked good. Naturally, I cannot find it now! I may be mistaken, but I think it was on this Forum and may have been by Derek Cohen.

Adam....ask the question on our sister site Metal Working Forum. I am sure someone could help you out and they may be closer than you think

Thanks.

Thought I'd try the woodwork forum first in case anyone had some suggestions following the recent plane building competition.

Regards,

Adam

These table screws may do the job? The quality of this one is good. They are made in small batches. I think the thread on this one is 9.5mm .
From here. Graeme Brown Antiques

IMG_0257.jpg

Ive also seen much cheaper . Indian ones probably . The quality gets pretty sloppy . I saw some from UK for around 4 UK ea.

Originally Posted by auscab

These table screws may do the job?
IMG_0257.jpg ...

And the acme thread is a bonus.

No brass ware is an option if you cant find the right fittings.
I was using My panel Gauge the other day setting out a template that needed making. What a great tool they are. My one is an old one . Its well made but just has a wedge holding the fence in place . The only metal is the marking blade. The wedge is a nice design and does a good job of fixing the fence solid up against the straight edge with no movement.

Thanks all,

Managed to find them from "the wood works" online store in Sydney. Only available in packs of 4 or more.

Depending on how this turns out i might make an extra guage which I might sell on the forum at cost.

Originally Posted by taz01

Hi all,

I'm looking to make a panel gauge, based on a design i saw on youtube by Bob Rozielski. Another case of making a tool for a project.

His design to call for some elongated brass thumbscrews, id guess between 35-50mm long.

Anyone know of a supplier this side of the world stocking these? Most seem to stop at 25mm.

Regards,

Adam

Adam, I would not use these thumbscrews. I think that they are poor design. Reason - they are not easy to turn/tighten/loosen with one hand holding the knob and fence simultaneously. The other hand is generally holding the work piece.

My choice is this ...

Helix Knob, Brass - Beslag Design @ RoyalDesign

Or try others on this page ...

Knurled Brass Insert Knobs australia - Google Search

Something like this one I made (but nicer) ...



Even these (knobs from Lee Valley, probably available at Carbatec) ..



Regards from Perth

Derek

Have you tried AliExpress? They're not in Australia but do ship things here. I've bought heaps of stuff from them. 95% of it perfectly good quality. Here's a link for thumb screws up to 50mm long.

Thanks all,

I already purchased the woodworks ones before i saw your suggestions.

if they turn out as derek suggests then ym I'll give these others a try.