Pommel Nuts?

[SolarStorm50]

One of my pains is making the pommel nuts for my takedown blades. I do not have a milling machine or a lathe, so looking for ideas on how to make this an easier task. I am on try number 3 for the nut for this blade

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

1) Search on Amazon/Ebay/etc. or browse a hardware store bin of Lamp Finials. You may find ones that are close to what you want. Just a little trimming or none at all.
2) Get round brass stock just a tad bigger than needed. Cut a 6" piece off and drill and tap one end for the tang. Taper the other end to a point on the grinder by chucking the brass in a cordless drill and turning against a 120 grit belt. Cut the head off a bolt and put it in the drill press. Screw the brass on the bolt and seat the tapered end in a block of wood in the drill vise. You now have a vertical lathe. Turn with files and sandpaper to whatever shape you want. Cut off excess and finish.

 

[SolarStorm50]

Love the Lamp Finials idea! Ive tried the "drill lathe" with limited success.

 

[Richard338]

Here's one that turned out ok.
When I mocked up the build I used an acorn nut from the hardware store. I don't have a lathe, so it's easy to make something terrible.
A few strategies that work:
-Use mild steel and blacken it when finished.
-use an oversized rod (0.75") and thread the end first, after squaring the end on a disc grinder.
-put allthread in the nut and chuck into a hand drill.
-Use the rest on your grinder, and be very rigid and precise in holding your angle, while you slowly turn the drill and contact the moving belt
-carefully index any slots or grooves, since any straying from symmetry will look like crap.