My first attempt at a brush restore...

I recently finished my first attempt at a brush restore. It's an EverReady C40. It was in decent shape, so I thought it would be ideal for a first attempt. I removed the original knot using a combination of scissors, needleknose pliers, and a dremel. Once the knot was out, I removed the old adhesive inside smoothed things out around the top.

I used a TGN 18mm Grade A Silvertip knot secured with LocTite Marine Epoxy. I was concerned both about creating a base for the knot, and about the weight of the empty handle, so I added some 1/4" nuts in the handle while the epoxy was wet. As a result, it's got a decent heft that I think feels very nice in the hand...

I think it turned out reasonably well for a first attempt, but I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Excellent work!! I love those handles too, and they are great to start out with. You don't have to add metal to the base, but I agree that it helps.

One small pointer -- if you use a clear form of Loc Tite rather than the white "marine" version, it will be harder to see the epoxy at the base of the knot. I know the marine version has some kind of antibacterial compound included, but I really think that's overkill for a shaving brush that is basically going to spend its entire life out of water, with only brief periods submerged in it.

Also, if you end up with any rough edges or uneven spots around the rim of the hole in the handle, you can get the hole round again just by using a sanding drum with your Dremel. Just keep the sanding drum moving around the entire hole in a circle, slowly and evenly, and you will find that the entire hole widens out and the uneven parts will disappear.

The beagle hits a homer.

It's beautiful. 'Very nice work. I have an H40 that surprisingly, still devours soaps beter than anything else I have. I want to add a Semogue 620 to the arsenal and will then consider changing the knot in the EverReady.

Well done, Beagle!

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Originally Posted by JeffE

Excellent work!! I love those handles too, and they are great to start out with. You don't have to add metal to the base, but I agree that it helps.

One small pointer -- if you use a clear form of Loc Tite rather than the white "marine" version, it will be harder to see the epoxy at the base of the knot. I know the marine version has some kind of antibacterial compound included, but I really think that's overkill for a shaving brush that is basically going to spend its entire life out of water, with only brief periods submerged in it.

Also, if you end up with any rough edges or uneven spots around the rim of the hole in the handle, you can get the hole round again just by using a sanding drum with your Dremel. Just keep the sanding drum moving around the entire hole in a circle, slowly and evenly, and you will find that the entire hole widens out and the uneven parts will disappear.

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JeffE, Excellent pointers. I appreciate the mentorship. I'm not sure how many other brush restores I'll do, but your points are very well taken!

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Originally Posted by pinklather

The beagle hits a homer.

It's beautiful. 'Very nice work. I have an H40 that surprisingly, still devours soaps beter than anything else I have. I want to add a Semogue 620 to the arsenal and will then consider changing the knot in the EverReady.

Well done, Beagle!

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Pink, I appreciate the kind words. I've been considering a Semogue myself for hard soaps. I've been considering either an SOC or an 830... I'm also thinking I could just restore a fuller I have...

I like your taste in vintage brush brush handles. I think the one with the new knot looks great.

Charlie

Thank you for the kind words, Charlie!

Great Job Bill! so how does the TGN silvertip stack up to other silvertips? I have a pure badger TGN and wanted to get the silvertip

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Originally Posted by thewatermark

Great Job Bill! so how does the TGN silvertip stack up to other silvertips? I have a pure badger TGN and wanted to get the silvertip

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Thanks, Matt. As for performance, I can't comment yet as I've not tried it out yet. I've been trying to decide whether I want to keep it or not. If not, I figure it's better not to use it first...

Howdy,

That there is a fine looking brush :) congratulations, but with it being your first restore do you really wanna give it up :(

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Originally Posted by TheGeek

Howdy,

That there is a fine looking brush :) congratulations, but with it being your first restore do you really wanna give it up :(

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Thanks! I'm not sure that I want to give it up. SWMBO, on the other hand, may not be sure she wants me to have another badger in the house... :rofl2:

No brush restore thread could possibly be complete without a little bloom porn, could it? So here are the before and after shots...

Wow Bill! It looks good as new!

I did a heavy handed attempt to restore the same handle. Mine broke. :-(

You have to be really gentle with those old handles!!

Great job!

I ended up getting a new handle from the GN.

Thanks Kelly and Jeff. I had a lot of fun with this restore. And the best part was the way she lathered for me this morning!

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Originally Posted by LegalBeagle

Thank you for the kind words, Charlie!

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Great Job Bill! so how does the TGN silvertip stack up to other silvertips? I have a pure badger TGN and wanted to get the silvertip

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Originally Posted by dorramide7

Great Job Bill! so how does the TGN silvertip stack up to other silvertips? I have a pure badger TGN and wanted to get the silvertip

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I like the Silvertip. It's not as dense as my Shavemac Silvertip, but it also didn't cost anywhere near what I paid for the Shavemac. I have no experience with any other TGN nibs, but I highly recommend this one!

Wowww Bill :tu. So, now you're brush craftsman too, heh? Excellent.

Is this a prelude to "LegalBeagle Brushes Ltd."? :D

Nice work. I found some old brushes at my Grandmother's house. You're giving me ideas here.