Thread: Making a brush

So I found this site and it really looks like I can save a substantial amount of money by making a brush rather than buying one. It's amazing how cheap the knot and handle are compared to buying one pre-made.
So If I get a handle and knot, what else do I need to put it all together (what kind of glue, tools, etc...)?
Also, if the knot is 22 mm, and the handle takes a 22mm knot, do I need to worry about how deep the hole is? I just don't want to end up with parts that won't play nice with each other.

I just made a post about TGN and there quality and fast shipping. I used an epoxy to hold the knot. My knot was shallower than my hole in the brush. It was a tight fit so I just filled the excess space with epoxy.

i have made a few with knots from golden nib. drill that hole a good 1/8 deeper than where the glue that holds the knot togeather stops. i found that it looks better and the knot holds it shape better if its a bit deeper in the handle

Originally Posted by cutalot

i have made a few with knots from golden nib. drill that hole a good 1/8 deeper than where the glue that holds the knot togeather stops. i found that it looks better and the knot holds it shape better if its a bit deeper in the handle

I don't have a drill or access to one. Is that even necessary, or is it a must?

How do I keep the glue from getting in the hairs?

So if there really isn't a lot to assembling these things, why don't more people do it themselves rather than spending so much money on them?

a drill press is handy and makes the job easy but you can get by with a hand drill heck even a pocket knife if you got the time . fit it as tight as you are able, the tighter the fit the less glue you need. also the knots i have worked with are not perfectly round you can sand the glue base a bit it to get a better fit and put a band of masking tape over the hair to keep the glue off it

Originally Posted by salazch

So if there really isn't a lot to assembling these things, why don't more people do it themselves rather than spending so much money on them?

Not everyone has the tools or ability to turn wood and finish it. If you're good at it, it all seems easy if not it's a mystery. Also when you get a generic Chinese knot the quality isn't the same as a top of the line Rooney for instance and you have more limits as far as dimensions go.

Christian, don't give up, never give up.

Find a friend or a neighbor that has a drill press to drill the hole for you. Stop and visit a cabinet making shop and ask for some help.

Once you get the hole drilled, use a hand saw or coping saw to rough it out then use a pocket knife to whittle it into the shape you want. Then sand, sand, sand it schmooooth. Finish with polyurethane, epoxy that nib in there and voila, you have your brush, your masterpiece.

You can do it. Hang in there.

martin