[Boatanchors] USS Wisconsin Radio Club N4WIS In Need of Collins KWM1 Knobs or printer file

[Bill Mellema]

 John,
Thanks for researching this for us...lots of information. I have spoken to Jim and he feels he can duplicate the knobs since we have an original for him to model. This is really a new frontier...neat stuff.
73's
Bill
    On Monday, June 2, 2025 at 09:27:00 AM EDT, John Cooper <johngc74 at gmail.com> wrote:  
 
 OK Guys;
Here is the Perplexity AI comments on printing the Collins knobs.  It may be a good starting point.----------------------------------------------------There is no STL file specifically labeled for Collins KWM-1 radio knobs in the provided search results. However, here are some practical approaches and resources you can use:

## **1. General Vintage Radio Knobs STL Files**
- Several platforms offer generic vintage radio knob STL files that may be compatible or modifiable for the KWM-1:
  - Printables features a set of vintage radio knobs in various sizes (3/4", 1", 1-1/2", 2") with 1/4" shaft and set screw holes ready to tap 8-32[2]. These can be customized or adapted to match the KWM-1’s knob dimensions.
  - Yeggi and STLFinder aggregate thousands of radio knob STL files, including generic and vintage designs that could be adapted for Collins radios[3][6].

## **2. Commercial and Replica Knobs**
- If you want an exact match and are open to buying rather than printing, Nationwide Radio & Eq. Sales LLC offers original and replica Collins knobs for the S-Line and KWM-2, which are visually and mechanically similar to KWM-1 knobs[4]. These are not STL files but may provide a physical reference if you want to model your own.

## **3. Custom Modeling**
- If you have access to a physical KWM-1 knob or detailed photographs, you could use a 3D modeling tool (like Tinkercad or Fusion 360) to create an accurate replica. Several generic knob STL files include editable source files for this purpose[2][6].

## **4. Community and Forums**
- Sharing your request on ham radio forums or 3D printing communities (such as Thingiverse, Reddit’s r/3Dprinting, or QRZ.com forums) may connect you with someone who has already modeled the KWM-1 knob or is willing to help.

## **Summary Table**

| Source/Method                | STL File? | Notes                                                      |
|------------------------------|-----------|------------------------------------------------------------|
| Printables (Vintage Knobs)   | Yes       | Customizable, various sizes, editable[2]                   |
| Yeggi/STLFinder              | Yes       | Search for "Collins radio knob" or "vintage radio knob"[3][6]|
| Nationwide Radio (KE9PQ)     | No (Physical) | Original/replica knobs for purchase, not STL[4]            |
| Custom Modeling              | N/A       | Requires measurements or photos of original                 |

## **Recommendation**
- Start by downloading a vintage radio knob STL file from Printables or Yeggi, and modify it as needed to match the KWM-1’s specifications[2][3][6].
- If you need an exact replica and cannot find an STL, consider purchasing a physical knob as a template or reaching out to the Collins collector community for a shared file[4].

None of the search results confirm a ready-made STL file specifically for the Collins KWM-1, but the above resources should help you find or create a suitable replacement.

Citations:
[1] https://www.yeggi.com/q/collins+kwm2+ham+radio/
[2] https://www.printables.com/model/190202-vintage-radio-knob
[3] https://www.yeggi.com/q/radio+knob/
[4] https://ke9pq.com/collins-items/knobs-and-inlays/
[5] https://community.ultimaker.com/files/file/1546-replacement-radio-knob/
[6] https://www.stlfinder.com/3dmodels/radio-knob/
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/cults3d/comments/1isokcv/free_stl_file_radio_control_knob_wheel_obj_and/
[8] https://msr.zapto.org/radio/CQ-AR/1960/01%20January%201960.pdf
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Thu, May 29, 2025 at 8:36 AM James <kk4eou at gmail.com> wrote:

Bill:
Give me an example knob of what you need and I can design, print and provide all the knobs you need.
Jim Hull
Sent from my Glade air freshener.



On May 29, 2025, at 8:29 AM, Bill Mellema <n3wm at yahoo.com> wrote:



Good Morning,
We are in need of two KWM1 small knobs for a nice station we had donated. Another option is to print them out a set if we could find the computer file.
Thanks In Advance Guys,
Bill N3WMUSS Wisconsin Radio Club N4WIS



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-- 

John 
Virginia Beach"A calm sea never made a good sailor"