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Looking good.
I’ve got some 3d prints on the way too, so thanks for them!
Is that just a threaded ball and a threaded rod?
Yes that’s a threaded ball mounted on a round spacer screw (not the same thread as my ring tho, ordered some new parts to make it fit better, it is stuck inside with epoxy at this moment but that’s not ideal)
I’m gonna try a first version with a M16 threaded rod, another one with the danco stem faucet and a third with a high lead helix from a 3D printer
I’m in europe so the parts take time to be delivered, i’ll post an update as soon as i receive something 
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Hi, I have been searching for this knob for three months and finally found it. Calling damn near everyone that could help, it seemed like an industry secret. Well, I’m here to break the silence and give the info.
Order this from a company called McMaster-Carr
Item number 6185K47
Price is about $7. The shipping was more than the knob, but whatever .
Item description, Comfort grip plastic ribbed knob with 1/2”-13 threaded hole 1-7/8” hole diameter. Hope this helps you.
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Just tried the high lead thread and it works just fine (5mm on a quarter turn)
Still need some adjustments as the screw doesn’t allow the planer to go down it’s full course
I still don’t want to stick anything with epoxy yet, but I’m getting really close to a good result
Next is the handle, maybe I’ll try to print one but it seems like a pain in the a** to design…
Two more planers are on their way, once they’re fully modified i might sell them (in europe)
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I used this method too, works good!
Reid Supply is another source for that knob. It’s no secret - it’s in the archived Sways posts, you can just search Reid to quickly find the post. Might be some other info you find helpful in that post.
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Any idea why the screw won’t allow the planer to go full depth?
Thinking of machining the larger brass end with the screw holes down to fit snugly inside the bottom of the shoe.
Yeah i cut it down to get the planer’s course back after adding the screw, otherwise it doesnt work
Where in Europe are you? I’m in southern Portugal I brought back plumbing parts from USA to convert my planer but like the looks of your conversion better than the conversion I’ve done
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I’m in France ! Do you know toxic magic shapes ? (they’re near Aljezur i believe)
I think they are a few towns over from me, I don’t know them personally
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If you use the faucet part for threads, you can buy a knob that mates perfectly with your modified planer in the same aisle of your local hardware store:
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Update on the build :
-
Ver.1 works but I’m not really satisfied, I stuck the threaded rod inside the knob (top part) and the ring inside the shoe of the planer (bot part).
With this build you need a “weak” spring to push the shoe down but it can move on it’s own with the vibrations so not ideal… -
Ver.2 works really well, just inverted the Ver.1 build, the ring goes inside the knob (top part) during the print (+ added epoxy to make sure it doesn’t move)
The threaded rod is stuck inside the shoe (bot part) with a little 3D insert (also stuck with epoxy)
This way the shoe is pulled towards the knob and it doesn’t move at all (you need a stronger spring tho)
The metal handle is screwed to the inside ring that fits in the knob
I’ll make a full tutorial on the build once I complete the handle
Picture below :
Cheers 
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Hello Everyone,
I’ve made ‘on the fly’ kit for the front shoe.
Custom Aluminum CNC, 4.5mm in quarter turn.
No springs needed
No loose parts/unthreading parts
Should be ready to ship in A matter of weeks…
Dm me here or dm on instagram
@iks surfing
Cheers
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Thanks for sharing:call_me_hand:t4:
Edit : finished my handle modification ! The planer works like a charm
Can’t wait to mow some freakin foam 
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Ahoy swaylocks,
The HITACHI “on the fly” 1/4 turn mod is available on my cults page 
It includes the 3D models for the front knob and different inserts
Also includes instructions and links to buy the parts for a cheap price (20 bucks for the whole system if you have access to a 3D printer)
It’s fully free with the code : “SWAYLOCKS”
1 Like