Bicycle Mechanics - 1 1/8 threaded fork-use as threadless with star nut and clamp on stem?

I'm trying to find a cheap way to get a cromo fork for my MTB frame-853 Jamis.
I currently an using a 1" threaded fork ( it -the frame- is sized for 1 1/8") with a 1" headset inside a 1 1/8" headset(shimmed a little to make it a tight no movement fit).It works fine, but it isn't particularly elegant

Is there any reason I can't use a too long(or not enough threads) 1 1/8" threaded fork as an unthreaded fork?
1) Will the 1 1/8 stems fit OK?
2) Star nut work OK?
Thanks
Charlie
PS- Whole point is to do it as cheaply as possible-I'll be broke for about 1 more year(sick wife medical debt etc)

You need a really long steerer tube on the fork,
as threadless = having the stem clamp around the steerer tube.

to reach the bar height you desire, get a threadless fork .
and a lot of spacers, to mount the stem on top..
Suspension corrected, long blades,
given you have a frame that was made for a longer travel suspension fork.

but,though, obviously you need a bigger bike frame, too for casual use
It looks like you made a reasonable kludge.

Yes, it is a TINY TINY frame- 11.5" C-C 13 C-T. It was an ebay buy measurements were a bit off.It is almost BMX sized.
Despite all the seat post showing it feels ok- not cramped up.
It is so small a frame that a stem with about 6" total length would be enough- headtube is 3 5/16".
I might end up with a long threaded fork- using it as unthreaded- if it is cheap enough-
Thanks
Charlie

You could use a threadless fork with that frame, but you will be using a lot of spacers between the headset & stem, which is not good. That frame is tiny as you have noted, and whatever you do with it, it's going to be a major comprimise of fit & saftey, if it is workign as is, would leave, but you really need to be looking at a better fitting frame / bike. Bu the time you have got a new fork, spacesr, Headset, stem & fitting, the cost of this could all have gone to a correct fitting bike.