Etching control knobs

[Plinky]

I really like the look of the machined aluminum knobs you can get at Small Bear (SKU 0813), but it's hard to see the index mark during a gig. So taking from Mark M's etching tutorial I applied it to the face of the control knobs. I sanded off the machine grooves with 220 then 600 grit wet/dry paper. I then masked and painted half of the knob face with Testors enamel, then painted the rest of the knob face freehand. Once it was dry I took some etchant on a Qtip and filled in the hole. A couple of applications, rinse, and fill with paint. Once it was dry, I sanded off the unwanted paint. Now you'd have to be blind not to see the index mark.




Can you tell I have nothing else better to do around the house??

[markm]

Can you tell I have nothing else better to do around the house??

I don't either!
That's a great idea! I do think that index shows up better now.

[John Lyons]

Nice!

But my question is... why do the set screws stick so far out on those knobs?

John

[Barcode80]

i don't think he had them tightened down...

[Plinky]

Nice!

But my question is... why do the set screws stick so far out on those knobs?

John

i don't think he had them tightened down...

No, they're tight. I'm using Steve's pots as well. If you look closely you'll notice that the gain knob is different from the other two and the screws aren't sticking out as much.
I thought about grinding the set screws down, but I don't have a tap small enough to rethread them.

[foxfire]

i haven't used it before but, what about using glow in the dark paint? i have simular knobs on 2 of my pedals and i might try just drilling a divit with the tip of an 1/8" drill bit and filling with some glow in the dark paint.

[Plinky]

i haven't used it before but, what about using glow in the dark paint? i have simular knobs on 2 of my pedals and i might try just drilling a divit with the tip of an 1/8" drill bit and filling with some glow in the dark paint.

I have thought about that. I think there is a solution you can mix with model paints (Testors, Humbrol, etc) that can give it glow in the dark properties. I keep forgetting to ask about it every time I'm in Hobbytown (they say the mind is the first thing to go when you get older).