Angle Alignment Tools for Thrustmaster TH8S Custom Shifter Knobs

WHAT IT'S GOOD FOR

These tools are ment to help you with the alignment of custom shifter knobs using the Thrustmaster adapter: https://www.printables.com/model/1825116-thrustmaster-official-th8s-gear-knob-files.

If your shifter knob isn't properly aligned, you can add a washer or use one of two locknuts.

The angle tester fits the Thrustmaster adapter perfectly and allows you to measure the angle with an accuracy of about 5 degrees.

Front part of the Design Part (represented by seam) is
not aligned with the front from the adapter.

I hope the instructions are clear, otherwise don't hesitate to ask/comment.

WHICH PART DO YOU NEED

The easiest way to correct a wrong angle is the locknut. It allows you to fasten the gearshift knob in a raised position with the proper alignment. The small one has a height of 4 mm and raises your shift knob a maximum of about 5,5 mm depending on the angle you need to correct. But it has limited comfort and is not as sturdy as the big one. The big one is easier to tighten but more noticeable. It has a height of 7 mm leadign to a maximum raise of about 8,5 mm.

Aligned using small nut (left) or big nut (right). If you prefer a cleaner look or the slightly higher gearshift lever bothers you, then go for the washer.

The angle tester is needed to select the right washer or you can use it to correct the angle in a model. But keep in mind, that another printer or filament could end up with another angle. (I did a testprint from the official samurai knob using some cheap filament and it isn't possible to tighten it with the same alignment like in the picture.)

HOW TO PRINT THE LOCKNUT

Printing the locknut is no big deal. Just make sure it's sturdy enough and sticks to the print bed.

I printed the big one using the 0.2 mm structural settings with 6 perimeters and no infill.
For the small one I used the 0.2 mm structural settings with 4 perimeters and 30% grid infill and raised the bed temperature a few degrees (first layer: 63°C, other layers: 65°C) because it won't stick to the print bed well enough and I didn't want to use a brim.

HOW TO PRINT  AND USE THE ANGLE TESTER

The angle tester needs variable layer height to ensure its correct height. This is already set in the project file, but if you want to change layer height you have to reset it:
Change the 'Max'-value in the section 'Layer height limits' in the printers extruder settings to the layer height you want to use (see picture below). Then select the model and open the 'variable layer height'-tool. Click 'Adaptive' once and slice it. Do NOT click 'Smooth'! The lower part should end at exactly 1.59 mm.

Change the 'Max'-value to the layer height. (I used 0.2 mm.)

Place the printed part on the adapter so that the side with text is facing up. (The 0° marking should point to the front.) Make sure the slot for the lower adapter part fits well and screw on the shifter knob without force. Make sure the shifter knob ends in the same position as it would without the tool and look up the angle in the front of the shifter part. (The spot which should point to the 0°-mark.)

The angle tester shows an angle between 310° and 315°.

HOW TO PRINT AND USE THE WASHERS

To find the right washer you can use the angle tester, measure or guess the angle. If the front part from the shifter knob points exactly to the right side the angle is 90° or if it points to the left side the angle is 270°. If you use the tester do not use any force tightening the knob.

Choose the right angle washer (the name contains the angle) and print it using variable layer height WITHOUT smoothing. I recommend changing the 'Max'-value in the section 'Layer height limits' in the printers extruder settings to 0.2 mm (or the layer height you want to use). Then select the model and open the 'variable layer height'-tool. Click 'Adaptive' once and slice it. The last layer height from the washer should be close to the thickness of the model which is good enough according to the test prints I did. Depending on how tight you want to screw on the knob you might need the next or previous washer anyway.

Using the 315° washer the seam is aligned with the 0° mark...

...and without the angle tester you achieve proper alignment AND a clean look.

I'd appreciate any feedback on which method you used and what angle you needed for it.