Jennings Dutchess Question

[kepmr]

Can anyone tell me how to remove the vendor knob of a Dutchess?

Thanks

[altort]

I have never removed one from a dutchess but I am restoring a mills fok and I drilled out the pin on the knob and the mint rollers when I removed mine, you need to be very careful to only drill out the pin and not to let the drill bit slide and damage the cast knob, start at one side mark the drill bit to only go in far enough to reach the shaft then turn the knob and drill from the other side, start with a small bit and go up one size at the time, once you have removed enough of the pin you should be able to turn the knob and what little is left of the pin will brake off, you can then pull the knob off and using a small punch knock the rest of the pin from the shaft, you will need a new pin, I found that a pocket screw driver was the perfect size, I cut it to length put it in my drill press to put a slight chanffer on one end, than put it in the freezer to slightly shrink the metal than carefully knocked it in putting a piece of oak with a half circle cut in to it to support the knob not to put strain on the shaft, I filed the small amount that was sticking out with a small fine file than finish it off with sand paper cut in to strips pulling it back and forth to smooth out, I went all the way up to 800 grit for my knob was highly polished.
You are going to want to put something against your cabinet to protect it.

[kepmr]

Thanks for your answer but the knob does not have a taper that goes thru it. It is spring loaded some how because you can turn it without turning the vendor shaft.

[RickHector]

Greetings Kermr,
I am currently working on two Jennings Centuries that have the same knob. These have a washer that has been pressed into the knob and the only way to remove the knob is to use a gear puller which will pull out the washer and remove the knob. Then the problem is how to re-attach the knob when you have it plated and the castings polished and painted. My solution has been to drill the end of the shaft, thread the hole and then use a machine bolt.
The only way to properly drill the end and get it centered is to put the shaft in a lathe. That way you will still be able to have tension on the handle and it will turn without paying out a roll of mints. There is a huge spring inside of the handle that provides the tension. This thing is a real bear to deal with and this has been the only solution I have been able to come up with.

Rick Hector

[rosstfr]

Rick -
I was interested to read your post regarding removal and installation of jennings vendor knob. I am working on an Improved Century that is missing the vendor knob (shaft intact). Any ideas on where to get a knob or facsimile?
Thanks,
-Ross

[RickHector]

Ross,
Send me a message at rickhector10@hotmail and we will discuss this. The best I can suggest is to cast one as the knob is made of brass and then plated. I could probably help you with that.
Rick