RF-45 Downfeed Lock Knob

[henryarnold]

I felt like doing a small project last night so I decided to make a better knob for my RF-45 Style Mill down-feed lock. This knob when tightened allows the fine feed to operate and when loose allows the drill press style handle to operate. The original knob is made of cheap plastic. Here's a photo:
   

I didn't think to take pictures during the lathe work. I turned the knob from a 1.6" long 3" round piece of 6061 aluminum. After I finished turning and boring the blank, I milled the cutouts around the rim.
   
Here's a closeup. I made each cutout with a boring bar set to cut a 7/8" radius. The rotary table is turned 60 degrees for each cutout
   
Here's the finished knob. I used my new Shop Press to press fit a 10mm x 45 mm cap head screw.
   
My new knob has a nicer feel and also looks better.