re: Pinching Rod

Petey ... the thread is 1/4 - 20". I tapped right into the maple. I got the knobs from Lee Valley. They are hand plane knobs. But I doubt you can get them now. Do a search on Amazon "small brass 1/4-20 knobs". Also in the parts bins at HD. Another good option is to buy a 1/4-20 brass hex bolt, mount shaft in you drill press and spin and file down to a round.