Thread: Must have gear for making brushes ???

I've been researching an watching videos on what's needed to make my own brushes. Basically just for fun. With everything I have read an watched now I am more confused than ever. So other than a decent lathe an good quality turning tools, what else is really needed to get it done? Anyone have a list of the must haves? Thinking I would enjoy making from all types of materials such as wood, acrylic etc.

Originally Posted by RollinCoal69

I've been researching an watching videos on what's needed to make my own brushes. Basically just for fun. With everything I have read an watched now I am more confused than ever. So other than a decent lathe an good quality turning tools, what else is really needed to get it done? Anyone have a list of the must haves? Thinking I would enjoy making from all types of materials such as wood, acrylic etc.

Most important is your chucks and arbors IMO

Here's everything I use, but may not be what others use. There's different ways to do things and some have developed their own techniques and tools to get the job done.

- One way Talon chuck with spigot jaws. ( I also use the standard jaws for slightly larger material. )
- Jacobs chuck (drill chuck)
- 1/4x24 mandrel ( I just cut bolts off to use as mandrels. This way I can have many and leave them on the project while a finish is drying.)
- Collet chucks for acrylic
- Forstner bits
- drill bits
- tap set
- mini turning tool set
- full size turning set
- bench grinder for sharpening
- good lighting
- wood finishes
- tons of sand paper ranging from 120-2500
- epoxy
- plastic polish

These are just the things off the top of my head that I use on most brush turning sessions. Hope this list helps a bit Jeremy.

Originally Posted by RollinCoal69

I've been researching an watching videos on what's needed to make my own brushes. Basically just for fun. With everything I have read an watched now I am more confused than ever. So other than a decent lathe an good quality turning tools, what else is really needed to get it done? Anyone have a list of the must haves? Thinking I would enjoy making from all types of materials such as wood, acrylic etc.

Knots and some sort of handle material would be a start, i would think a glue or adhesive would be handy too

Thanks for the list Andrew. I stopped in harbor freight today to pick up a few things. Looked over their lathes while I was there. Seemed they all had some cheap parts installed on them. I will keep an eye out for used somewhere. Might get lucky.

Just getting into wood turning. I stated this before but my advice is to join your local wood turning club. I'm sure Dayton has one. The local Woodcraft store should be able to provide some details as well or just google it up. My local club has everything one would need to get started. I just show up, turn wood, & clean up.
FWIW our club makes the carbon tipped "Easy Wood Chisels" Great tools for beginners at half the cost. Plus I got to turn the walnut handle from wood they had on hand.

Bwp I had read that post about local wood turning clubs. Haven't looked into it yet but I will here shortly. I am basically thinking I woud only turn brushes an bowls. Maybe pepper grinders etc. My main interest is brushes for myself an friends. I have got a few friends started wet shaving an think it would be cool to make them brushes. I really like the look of your tools too.

Originally Posted by RollinCoal69

Bwp I had read that post about local wood turning clubs. Haven't looked into it yet but I will here shortly. I am basically thinking I woud only turn brushes an bowls. Maybe pepper grinders etc. My main interest is brushes for myself an friends. I have got a few friends started wet shaving an think it would be cool to make them brushes. I really like the look of your tools too.

IMO using a lathe for just brushes is like using a pickup truck just to get groceries. I'm in the same boat. Making brushes for colleagues, bottle stoppers for gifts, honey dippers... Don't get me started on pens: Looking to put out about a dozen pens this spring for graduation gifts.
I haven't even begun turning bowls yet. You'll find that for every project there is a tool or accessory required. Still in the process of acquiring whats needed.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Stuff for the misses always goes over well!!

Yeah dude that's awesome! That bowl looks great! The make up brush was something I had thought about too. Plus I would like to make her, her own shaving brushes. She uses mine right now.