Engraving, anodizing, and shift knob thread questions...

[Jak R4bbit]

I've designed a custom shift knob for my girlfriend's car. I'd like to have it finish looking like the attached picture, but I am unfamiliar with the process of anodizing and wondering if this would be possible? Would powder coating be more ideal?

Also, is engraving on a spherical surface an expensive process? I'd like to have this made, but she's not willing to spend a large amount of money on something so small. If the engraving isn't feasible on a sphere, I might make a flat surface on the top of the knob.

What would be the best approach to the threads on this? Would a threaded nylon insert be the safest way to keep from causing damage to the threads on the shifter? I'm not sure that this knob could damage steel, since I'm planning to have it machined out of aluminum.

The material is 6061 alloy, red anodized where shown. Silver parts would be unfinished.

[CMIndustries]

I've been looking to make a part of similar application, but my question is this; is it possible to start the threads at a certain angle/degree to assure that the logo is oriented correctly when screwed completely on? Perhaps a separate threaded nylon insert would be advantageous here as you could manually set the part orientation?

[Tech2]

I don't know what finish was used in the pix but powder coat might be an option. We are not setup to engrave on a spherical surface. I don't see why you could not thread the knob directly - we have done so for several customers. You could specify an angle for the threading using Comments To Machinist.

[Jak R4bbit]