KB VFD screws and knob?

C

catalytic

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Jul 19, 2011
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I just picked up a KB VFD. Unfortunately, it's missing 3 of the 4 screws+washers that hold the front door on, and it's also missing the speed control knob.

I called KB, and they don't offer these parts for sale.


The screws appear to be specialty, with a smaller diameter shaft compared to the threads.

Has anyone found a source for the screws and washers and/or speed knob?
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Just drill the cover so the holes are large enough to accept the proper screw thread and use a standard bolt. You should be able to find a knob of the proper size on ebay or Amazon
 
Looking at mine, a standard screw of the appropriate thread should work. I thing they just use those so you have a little wiggle room when you tighten them down so you don't cross thread them.
 
Have you measured the threads with a thread gauge? I doubt they would use a proprietary screw for that.

-Clint
 
Your Panel type captive screws are abundantly available.
McMaster Carr is probably best source for a mouseclicker.
That knob is another story. Mouser or Allied for example is probably best bet. It may need some search to find a precise duplicate.
Knobs mountings are quite standardised but ,you will need to measure diameter & splines of its post, then alot of pages to search. You might be better off using a setscrew type knob of appropriate I.D.
 
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You can find a knob that'll work at a local, Ace or True value hardware store in their misc 'hardware' section. It may not fit the splines of the shaft, but it'll have a small set screw. Great placed to find misc bullshit like this. You can spend an hour in there looking at cork stoppers, and odd ball things you didn't know existed.

It is a pretty standard type, but i'm not sure the name. KB electronics however sells replacement hardware also if you contact them directly. I had to get a replacement rheostat for one of mine where the shaft broke off with the knob. Course a cut a little slot in it and have adjusted it with a flat blade screwdriver for years. Still haven't installed the knob lol, it's on a secondary grinder and I mostly leave it setup a certain way.


Personally, looking at yours, i'd just make one. Drill a hole that'll clear, and glue it on with a drop of ca glue.
 
Lieblad said:
Your Panel type captive screws are abundantly available.
McMaster Carr is probably best source for a mouseclicker.
That knob is another story. Mouser or Allied for example is probably best bet. It may need some search to find a precise duplicate.
Knobs mountings are quite standardised but ,you will need to measure diameter & splines of its post, then alot of pages to search. You might be better off using a setscrew type knob of appropriate I.D.
Click to expand...

^^ Right on! "Panel captive screw" is the keyword I was missing. Mcmaster has both the screws and the retainers, which I referred to as washers. The KB retainers are plastic, and McMaster appears to only carry stainless. I assume the plastic is for electrical insulation like on a switch.
https://www.mcmaster.com/#captive-panel-screws/=199cnlb

I've rebuilt enough machine tools to think that I pretty much know standard hardware, but apparently not this time.
 
The plastic retainers are simply a plastic option. Not specific for electrical stuff.
You might find ordinary plastic washers the next size smaller than the screw thread will work as screwed on retainers.
 
Every one of those parts can be found at Ace or True Value hardware. Just take the VFD in and ask one of the associates to show you where the screws, plastic washers, and knobs are.
 
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