Bottlehead Forum

Bottlehead Kits => Crack => Topic started by: sbelyo on May 06, 2011, 04:33:21 AM

Title: Do ALPS volume pots fit in the existing holes?
Post by: sbelyo on May 06, 2011, 04:33:21 AM
I just ordered an alps pot and I was wondering if the size of the shaft hole and the stop peg are the same?  I think the stock pot is an alpha, but I'm not sure
Title: Re: Do ALPS volume pots fit in the existing holes?
Post by: Jim R. on May 06, 2011, 04:57:35 AM
I had one for a while and if I remember, it just needed a tiny bit of filing with a rat tail file to open the hole, but I don't remember if the tab lined up or not.

HTH,

Jim
Title: Re: Do ALPS volume pots fit in the existing holes?
Post by: sbelyo on May 06, 2011, 05:04:44 AM
thanks Jim...

we'll find out
Title: Re: Do ALPS volume pots fit in the existing holes?
Post by: STURMJ on May 06, 2011, 06:56:25 AM
I also can't remember if I had to make the hole bigger (slightly if I did).  But I do remember dremeling off the tab, as opposed to making the hole bigger. I have some squishy material (shelf liner) cemented to the plate, I haven't had any rotation problems (yet). Also, the shaft is taller than the stock pot.  You may need to cut it, depending of the knob you use. (be sure to cover the whole pot with blue tape to prevent metal debris from getting inside.
Title: Re: Do ALPS volume pots fit in the existing holes?
Post by: deltaunit on May 06, 2011, 08:48:36 AM
As someone who has just ordered one of these pots and doesn't have a dremel, I've just looked into it.

The Alps shaft is 6mm in diameter and the thread at the base of it is M8 sized, the tab looks like 1.25mm away from the shaft on the BH and 1cm on the Alps... I wonder what size the baseplate hole is drilled?

Hmm.

I guess the baseplate can have another hole drilled in it for the new tab position. I don't like the idea of sawing across the shaft of the pot though - do you think it would damage the internal tracks?
Title: Re: Do ALPS volume pots fit in the existing holes?
Post by: Grainger49 on May 06, 2011, 09:44:08 AM
If you need to make the whole a little larger you can use a tap.  It makes a hole whatever size you need to the maximum of the tool.  RS used to carry them but don't now.  It was cheap there.

Another option is a stepped drill bit from Harbor Freight.  This set of 3 costs $12.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-titanium-nitride-coated-high-speed-steel-step-drills-91616.html