Man, oh man, Dave... that is so cool... please keep us updated as more happens.

"Encino Man Shift Knobs... bringing the beauty of history into the present day."

Or something like that.

Of course. :) I heard some more interesting news regarding 917/908 replicas yesterday. ;)

A gallery of pix regarding my lathe and what it's really designed for...
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152025797480008.890420.645660007&type=1&l =e9ac6e14f1

It's made in Australia, designed specifically for the large stuff. One day I'll find a piece large enough to max it out and turn it. :D Weight of the lathe is around 800lbs. As I mentioned, 3 phase 220v, computer controlled (but not in that CNC way ;) ).
https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/...6e&oe=545B5BAB

Dave, can you get an duplicate attachment on that lathe? With that, I bet you can rough cut one in five minutes and the rest is sanding and more sanding. Hey bud, the knobs look damn good.

There may be a way to adapt a dupli-carver. This lathe is not designed for that type of work. The ways can slide back quite far - think baseball bats/banisters, but it's not designed for that either. It's REALlY not designed for turning shift knobs. :D

That said, I still like carving them one by one. Not as efficient as can be, but relaxing. I also like that no two are the same (grain notwithstanding).

I agree, wood working on the lathe is additive. How about a special chisel that made to cut all the ball to the same size? I am always thinking about production. That's terrible.

Naw.... Again, the slight variances make a totally unique product. Besides, with the repetition, a good % are very close to each other. I use two calipers. One dial that I calibrate to 48mm every day or two and a secondary non dial caliper that I calibrate several times a night. The latter is the one I use to check diameter of the knobs as I turn them down. I am at peace with my ADHD when at the lathe. I'd rather not automate that process. :)