Use my firewire port for USB?

AFAIK you can't, different protocols.

 

not happening; the hardware and protocol are very different.

 

New iMac owner here w/ 2 Thunderbolt ports not being used (limited hardware choices & expensive?) - assume that the same reasoning applies to an 'adapter' between USB & Thunderbolt - any choices?

 

I would sign up and wait for the cheaper CalDigit ThunderBolt Station than the more expensive Belkin Thunderbolt Express.

 

Thanks for those links - both of those devices look like an excellent way to use a Thunderbolt (TB) port, but the price - YIKES!

My recently purchased powered USB hub should serve my modest needs @ the moment - BUT, if I were a user needing a LOT of additional ports and options, those TB offerings look like a great solution - Dave

 

A very quick Google reveals that there are adaptors between USB and FireWire. Whether they are the 'right way round' for your purposes, I'm not sure. Most seem to be to allow people with only USB ports to use FW devices.
But have a look and see if what there is will work for you.

Thunderbolt is much more than a simple connector: it is essentially a direct extension of the data bus. It is ALL the connections. That's why most devices are hubs or pass-through devices.
Apple do make TB to FireWire adaptors, however, which are relatively cheap.

 

Bold
Well, not really, show me a link, all I could find is they mention there is a cable but a quick Google does not show results.
One manufacturer claims they have one but he manufacturer is not mentioned and there is also doubt it works.

http://www.usbnow.co.uk/a27/USB_to_Firewire_Solutions/article_info.html

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-firewire-to-usb-adapter.htm