Thread: Anything to keep in mind when making a brush??

I'm one of those guys that when I get into something, I like to create things involved with it.

That being said, I would like to make a brush. But I have some ideas that would be cool for my collection I am already starting.

So I want to use wood on a lathe to make a brush handle. I know I can get knots but is there anything else to keep in mind? I'll seal the handle before adding the knot and make sure my knot hole is big enough for the knot.

Anything I'm missing?

I read a post here I think it was about the brush handle being the length of you reaching hand.
By gripping a ruler end on in your palm, then measuring where all your fingers reach as if gripping a brush
Also I think you want the knot before you make the hole as they may vary slightly in depth and or dimeter
But don't quote me I am sure the brush gurus will have more

Edit: this would be best in the brush makers alcove forum where a lot of your answers may already be,
so hopefully a mod will move and get the attention of the brush makers better

Loft, loft, loft. If you don't set the knot deep enough you'll end up with a floppy brush. Just covering the glue plug will not do.

Another thing, seal the hole before gluing the knot in. Take some CA glue, and run some around the inside with a paper towel a couple times. That will make sure no water penetrates into the handle from the inside.

If your using expensive wood, draw up the handle shape before hand. If you make it up as you go, you may end up with something you don't like. Don't ruin a nice piece of wood by flying by the seat of your pants.

Take your time, and have fun. I'm not sure how much turning you've done, but I find it to be very relaxing and addictive. Make sure you post it when your done. I'm sure it will be great!

I'm an avid pool player with quite a cue collection. I was thinking of taking one of the warped butts to cut down so the inlaid points would be the brush handle. This would be taking a $500 cue that's useless to me now and making something I can get more life out of. To be honest, I'd have it cut and partially shaped by my cue repairman and finish it myself. I think it would look nice

That sounds awesome. Make sure you post in the brush makers alcove when your done.

Will do. I'm so stoked on the idea, I might start it tonight!

Sounds like a cool project. I think the rest are covering all the bases.

Originally Posted by Jake77

I'm an avid pool player with quite a cue collection. I was thinking of taking one of the warped butts to cut down so the inlaid points would be the brush handle. This would be taking a $500 cue that's useless to me now and making something I can get more life out of. To be honest, I'd have it cut and partially shaped by my cue repairman and finish it myself. I think it would look nice

Your going to take a $500 cue,cut it down to make a Brush handle?? thats nutz,sell the que and buy enough exotic woods to make a 100 brushes

Pix has a point. But it's your cue.

The cue was $500 new. Its worthless now because the handle section warped. I have a collection of cues and to be honest, this was one of the cheap ones. Since its warped, I can only sell for $100. I've already sold the shaft off of it and I'm left with the handle (or butt) section.

My cue I had custom made for me was well over $2,000. In my cue case alone when I go to play pool has $4-5000 wrapped up in it with cues and the case.

I like the design and decided I could reuse it someday. After measuring, I figure I can get 6 or 7 blanks with 18mm up to 22mm knots in there. Since its not a true full splice cue, I'm not going to have any of it shaped. They'll be just cylindrical to learn how to make a good brush. If it works out, I may have to make a few more with shapes and more intricate wood work.