Made a new shifter knob!

Finished product first of course, manzanita and tung oil with a gloss lacquer.

This was the old one, made out of a huge California juniper branch that I hiked out of the backcountry, it was a beautiful piece with a lot of shine and character that would’ve lasted IF THE LES SCHWAB GUY KNEW HOW TO DRIVE A MANUAL WITHOUT FORCING THE GEARS

So for non-Californians this a Manzanita (Arctostaphylos platula), a Sierra Nevada native and specialty. And one of my personally favorite hardwoods.

They’re pretty cool, just look at that red bark and bright foliage! They’re very slowing growing and are very dense but have some of the most beautiful wood to be found.

Found a good dead branch on the property that wasn’t too rotted.

Look at that color! Some good solid samples with manageable checks.

Squaring off a piece.

Sick grains bro

Rough cutting the facets

Drilling the hole and ensuring a tapered fit by reaming it out with the drill bit.

More facets

I actually use a bench grinder with manzanita, it’s too tough to shape a lot with just a bench belt sander. Unfortunately the grinding wheel gives it a charred look because of how dense it is.

Decided to shorten it, it was just too tall for a small pickup, maybe if I had a one ton it would’ve worked.

After a few minutes of 60 grit on my totally OSHA approved lathe.

Hand sanding time! Nothing like early onset Carpal Tunnel in the morning!

Down to 600 grit, look at that glow.

Had to add my personal brand to it with the burner.

Tung oil!

Wiped off and polished!

Ta Da! It’s got good shine and character.

Ranger Danger tax, she’ll look good with the new shifter