Thread: Badger bristles for custom brush

So I want to do a custom brush with my lathe and some fancy wood. The only bristles I know of for this type of project are from Leevalley Razor Handle and Brush Kits - Lee Valley Tools
Just wondering if you guys know where I could purchase some higher end badger like super or silver tip for this project.

Fountain Pen parts - NIBS, - Wholesale Fountain Pen Ink - Golden Nib AZ

I've made several brush handles and knotted them with knots from there. Tony is a great guy to work with as well.

Thanks

Glenn

Originally Posted by sharp

Fountain Pen parts - NIBS, - Wholesale Fountain Pen Ink - Golden Nib AZ

I've made several brush handles and knotted them with knots from there. Tony is a great guy to work with as well.

Thanks

Glenn

Yeesssssssssssss!
You the man sharp! Oooohhhh I'm excited now!!!! Thanks for that link.

This sounds great, didnt even know you could make your own. If you buy a handle, you then just buy a knot & glue it in and that's it ?

Originally Posted by Welshcitydragon

This sounds great, didnt even know you could make your own. If you buy a handle, you then just buy a knot & glue it in and that's it ?

Just make sure the knot size of the badger matches the hole in the handle you buy. Then, yes, just glue it in with some epoxy. Cheap way to get a nice silver tip. I just ordered 3 brush knots all silver tips and 2 true stone blanks for handles. Thanks to sharp for the Web Site!

So what size Knot is a good size ? I know the size has to match the size of the hole in the brush handle but what would you say is a nice comfortable ?

Originally Posted by Welshcitydragon

So what size Knot is a good size ? I know the size has to match the size of the hole in the brush handle but what would you say is a nice comfortable ?

Shwmae! Knot size is up to personal preference really. Also, there are several other factors that come into play. As well as knot size, there's also loft (height), hair type, density/backbone and shape of the knot.....

To me, it's good to start with a middle of the range brush, ie knot size 22-24, loft about 50 and best or super badger. You can then have a yardstick to judge those dimensions and choose your next brush accordingly.

Cheers,

Ash

My first brush was a col. conk 20mm best badger. very dark hair. All it is, is a re-branded vulfix. It was a great starter brush and just recently have I upgraded. The 20mm, to me is a nice size, so I stayed with that size. now that ive had some experience with that size I figured id try something bigger. I ordered 22, 24, 26mm. After 24, we're talking about a big brush. Best thing is try and find a place, where you can have the brush in your hand. Just to see for yourself.

I assembled my brush , using 30 minute epoxy . When you glue the knot into the handle , make sure to check the alignment , so the brush and handle are in a straight line . You don't need any measuring instruments to do this , just "eye it" all the way around .
Don't use the brush for at least 24 hours . 30 min. epoxy , sets in 30 min. , but doesn't reach it's full curing until 24 hours .
Here's a pic of mine , a 24mm best badger . I've been using it for almost a year , with no problems .

Originally Posted by dave5225

I assembled my brush , using 30 minute epoxy . When you glue the knot into the handle , make sure to check the alignment , so the brush and handle are in a straight line . You don't need any measuring instruments to do this , just "eye it" all the way around .
Don't use the brush for at least 24 hours . 30 min. epoxy , sets in 30 min. , but doesn't reach it's full curing until 24 hours .
Here's a pic of mine , a 24mm best badger . I've been using it for almost a year , with no problems .

Haha Well well, thats the brush handle I was looking at last night & thinking of getting. Thanks so much for the info guys.