Can I adapt the shaft of a pot?

[vvangelovski]

First the problem. On my Rotel-04 amp when the volume knob is set to lower volumes there is a noticeable difference between the left and right channel levels. With a multimeter I conducted some measurements and I can see there's around 0.4V difference between left and right. The difference dissapears on higher volumes. I took the amp to an authorized service person and he is convinced the problem is in the pot. He tried cleaning it with spray but the problem is still there. There was also audiable signal on one channel when the volume was on minimum before that but now it's gone. So now I'm convinced it's the pot. It's one of those cheap $1 pots. So we ordered a new one from Rotel. But the service person told me I should really consider putting an Alps pot or something similar.
The only alps pot I can find that matches the resistance and dimensions has a simple shaft with a circle shaped profile with an incision in the middle and the Rotel pot has a shaft with a profile shaped like the letter D. Is there some way I can adapt the shaft of this alps pot so the volume knob cover can fit right on it? Has someone else done something like this? If so, what's the easiest way?

I know there are better options for alps pots, but this seems to be the only one that can be delivered to me.

[Magura]

If you post a pic of the button, and of the pot in question, I'll figure something out for you.


Magura

[Spiny]

Originally posted by vvangelovski
Is there some way I can adapt the shaft of this alps pot so the volume knob cover can fit right on it? Has someone else done something like this? If so, what's the easiest way?

[/B]

Provided the shaft diameter is the same, a file works wonders to turn a round shaft into a D shaped one - been there and done it several times

[theAnonymous1]

Originally posted by Spiny

Provided the shaft diameter is the same, a file works wonders to turn a round shaft into a D shaped one - been there and done it several times

That was going to be my suggestion as well. Unfortunately it's not as easy to turn a D-shaft into a splined-shaft.

[Steerpike]

You can certainly file one side of the shaft flat - easy, but TWO points to note:
(1) Be sure to file the right portion of the shaft flat, or the ponter mark or line on the knob won't point to the right position
(2) clamp the SHAFT in a vice to file it, don't try to clamp the pot body in any way.

[john blackburn]

Also wrap the body of the pot in cling film first to prevent filings getting where they shouldn't.

John

[vvangelovski]

Originally posted by Magura
If you post a pic of the button, and of the pot in question, I'll figure something out for you.


Magura

OK. I got the terminology now . What I need is a flatted shaft pot and all I can find is a slotted shaft pot . Here are the pics of what I have right now:






This is the Alps pot I can get:
http://beezar.com/oscommerce2/catalo...products_id=76

Thanks for the replies guys.

[Magura]

Then these two comments are the ones you should consider.

Originally posted by Steerpike
You can certainly file one side of the shaft flat - easy, but TWO points to note:
(1) Be sure to file the right portion of the shaft flat, or the ponter mark or line on the knob won't point to the right position
(2) clamp the SHAFT in a vice to file it, don't try to clamp the pot body in any way.

Originally posted by john blackburn
Also wrap the body of the pot in cling film first to prevent filings getting where they shouldn't.

John

This should set you back like 10 minutes, so have fun.


Magura