Stock knobs are junk on Excaliber II

[KEVTEC]

I don't post much on the forums, but I had to show you what my solution to the cheap plastic knobs Minelab uses on The Excal. I retired at 48 as a master machinist from the blue oval. I built my Harley- combo Machine shop 3 years prior to retiring. I really enjoy designing different items to improve my treasure hunting, from modifying my machines to unique diggers above and below water. By no means is this a plug for my machine shop as I am in the process with my attorneys securing a deal for 10,000 sets of my knobs which I have a patent on as I post this. My biggest problem with the stock knobs were how they would strip out as you would move them in different positions on the unit. This goes without saying as all Excal owners know that the stock knob is a press fit plastic knob on a stainless pod. Not a very good design. I have givin numerous sets to various friends of mine that use the Excal, including the all time great Clive Clynick. He and I have spoken many times on the phone on what he would like to see changed on the stock knobs. So after I designed the set I market, I sent them to him. He was ecstatic. Anyway I won't ramble on and would like to share a few photos of my knobs on my Excal II. BTW, My buddy Clive is authoring a new book, I believe to be released in the upcoming spring, and has put a photo of his Excal with my knobs on his unit. I thought that was pretty cool of him. Anyway enjoy the pictures, and please post your honest opinion of the knobs I make.
Thanks:
Kevtec

 

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[Sandman]

Those new knobs of yours are very good looking. Good luck on your business.

 

[ToniSteve]

Yes those knobs look great and solve more then one problem with the Excal. Slipping both on the shaft and the fingers! Nice!

Best Regards,
Steve

 

[JoelB]

Hopefully everything goes well--Looks great! Can we order them from you?

 

[47thelement]

Ok I'll ask...How much? also do the come with the small wrench? Will they be available only as a set or can we get individual ones?

Them sure are are purdy!

 

[leefields]

how much....i would like to buy a set for myself for christmas...

 

[Erik in NJ]

Kevin,

Very, very nice job on the machining. Top notch workmanship and the knurling is beautiful. The reliefs are aestetically very nice too. I'm assuming they are aluminum....are they anodized? I don't have an Excal, but I can appreciate high-quality workmanship when I see it ......drop me a PM with your contact info....I have a few questions for you that I'd rather ask off-forum. Best, Erik

 

[Keppy]

Yes i had to replace the knobs on my Excalibur i got the ones off Ebay........ But the ones you are makeing are sure sharp looking.............. You will sell a ton of those......

 

[TexasDigger1]

Kevtec,
I like them, how much? [email protected] thanks and good work. John

 

[KEVTEC]

They are made from aircraft aluminum and I use stainless set screws. They look anodized, but what I decided to do after making many prototypes was to glassbead them in my commercial blast cabinet. I think it gives them a more of a richer look. Thanks for the question

 

[KEVTEC]

Kevin,

Very, very nice job on the machining. Top notch workmanship and the knurling is beautiful. The reliefs are aestetically very nice too. I'm assuming they are aluminum....are they anodized? I don't have an Excal, but I can appreciate high-quality workmanship when I see it ......drop me a PM with your contact info....I have a few questions for you that I'd rather ask off-forum. Best, Erik

Thank you.

 

[ToniSteve]

They are made from aircraft aluminum and I use stainless set screws. They look anodized, but what I decided to do after making many prototypes was to glassbead them in my commercial blast cabinet. I think it gives them a more of a richer look. Thanks for the question

Will they withstand saltwater conditions being glass beaded with out any protective coating. Salt can and will tear up aluminum over time.

Best Regards,
Steve

 

[KEVTEC]

They are made from aircraft aluminum and I use stainless set screws. They look anodized, but what I decided to do after making many prototypes was to glassbead them in my commercial blast cabinet. I think it gives them a more of a richer look. Thanks for the question

Will they withstand saltwater conditions being glass beaded with out any protective coating. Salt can and will tear up aluminum over time.

Best Regards,
Steve

I have tested them in actual salt water for over 100 hours, including letting the knobs sit in actual sea salt water without any break down of material. The aircraft aluminum I use has specific alloys in it to repel corrosion along with the stainless set screw. Also as I stated above I have released 15 sets to friends of mine throughout the world to test them on their machines without any problems of break down. As always when finished hunting in salt water it is a good policy to rince the whole machine including the knobs with fresh water.

 

[ToniSteve]

Thanks for the added information, sounds like you have everything covered.

Steve

 

[JoelB]

Everything covered except when can we buy them?? Price?? Really would like get a set in the next 3 weeks if possible. Thanks!!

 

[KEVTEC]

Everything covered except when can we buy them?? Price?? Really would like get a set in the next 3 weeks if possible. Thanks!!

Sorry for not responding back to people in a timely manner. My father passed away on DEC 3RD and have been trying to get my moms finances in order. They were married 60 yrs this past NOV. Within the next few days I will be able to post the price that will be available to the public. As of right now I cannot since of all the legalities involved regarding distributors through my attorney. Rest assured they are priced right compared to the plastic ones you buy aftermarket made of plastic. As you have seen these are more of a professional looking knob to go on a professional machine. Thanks for bearing with me on this time of grieving and legalities.
Kevtec

 

[TexasDigger1]

KEVTEC,
Sorry to hear about your Dad, my condolences to you and your family, hope your mom is doing ok, I know how hard these things can be. John

 

[JoelB]

Sorry about your tough times--Didn't mean to push you in a corner, but when I see something I "gotta have" --I get anxious. Let us all know when things quiet down and you are ready to take orders.

 

[kc10bull]

Prayer's to you and your family. Take care of the family, enjoy Christmas and New Year and we will hear from you when everything has setteled down.

Family First !