A lot of early metal lathe projects can just be categorized as knobs.

My first set of knobs was for my telescope. This otherwise excellent reflecting scope came with a set of flimsy, plastic knobs that did not make me feel like I was standing on the shoulders of giants as I gazed up at the sky. I decided I'd fix the problem by making aluminum knobs with knurled handles. I've since discovered twice as many planets.

A friend of mine got married and I was invited to give a gift. While browsing through the registry I couldn't help but notice the $50 corn on the cob set he had picked out. I thought it was outrageous. No friend of mine should be caught using a peasant's cob holder. So I decided to make him a much nicer set from chromoly.