Thread: Knot question

Ok so I just restored my first brush a green/black ever ready 103s. My question is how should I choose my knot size I measured at 22mm so I ordered 22mm an it was a bit to small for the handle so should knots be ordered small or large because I've read a few of the posts that say order 2mm smaller, but had I done this it would have been way under sized?

Depending on who you bought your badger knots from, the actual size of the plug may be different from what was listed on the website. Generally, they're smaller than what's stated. For example, My TGN 24mm knots actually meassure 23mm. The most common knot I use when making a brush is a 24mm, and I use a 1" forstner to bore the hole for it. The hole should always be slightly bigger than the knot being used. Somewhere around 1.5-2mm bigger is perfect but not completely necessary. A bigger hole, or a smaller knot will just allow the hairs to bloom farther apart. It's the loft thats key. If it's set too high, or the hole is to big, you can end up with a face mop that just wont work very well. For that 22m knot you have, try and get the loft somewhere around 48-52mm of hair from the top of the handle, to the tips of the hairs.

Thank you I believe I got it set right. The only problem I had was the base inside wasn't level so I just cut a wine cork then cut that in half an sanded it into a wedge shape an all was well. I would add a pic but I have so many problems viewing the site when I'm signed in that it would probably take me a day to do so. Since you replied an know more than me have you ever worked with Camatillo rose wood as I am interested in making my own brush from start to finish an that is the wood I would like to try my hand at. Thanks in advance

Is that Kingwood???? I have a block of it here that I really want to turn. Gorgeous stuff! Even if I'm wrong, I'm sure it's a dense, oily wood. Start by having freshly sharpened tools, very key for these dense woods. Wear some form of dust mask, and in my opinion at LEAST one marked N95. Sand from 120 up to 600 or 1000. A nice oil finish on these super oily hard woods is all the finish they need. I'd apply a coat of oil, let sit for 10 minutes and remove all excess. Let it sit for a few days and then rub down with 0000 steel wool. Repeat 2 more times and that's it. Down the road you might have to apply another coat to make everything pop again, but that wood will be perfect for a brush handle.

It's not king wood I'm not sure if it's a dense oily wood, but I don't think it is I know that it's used to make custom acoustic quitars, pool sticks, an customelectric guitar pieces. I also know that a lot of it gets kiln dried for long periods of time Yrs even to bring out more of the color. What dimensions would you start off with to turn a brush I found some pieces that are 2"x2"x12" is that thick enough to turn or do I need more meat? An I'm no expert wood worker so I don't have a bunch of equipment I was going to use a drill press to turn it.

Most my acrylic is 1 1/2" so yes, you have plenty of material to work with. I've never done any turning on a drill press, so I can't help you there.

No big deal if you can't help with that you've helped me with all the other questions I had. An I appreciate it very much. I do have access to a wood lathe it's an open invitation from a friend but work schedules seem to always get in the way so I just figured I'd use the drill press hell who knows I may enjoy it as much as I do many of the things associated with this hobby that I buy a cheap harbor freight wood lathe. Again thanks for everything I appreciate the help.

Originally Posted by KsStraightShaver

No big deal if you can't help with that you've helped me with all the other questions I had. An I appreciate it very much. I do have access to a wood lathe it's an open invitation from a friend but work schedules seem to always get in the way so I just figured I'd use the drill press hell who knows I may enjoy it as much as I do many of the things associated with this hobby that I buy a cheap harbor freight wood lathe. Again thanks for everything I appreciate the help.

I think you would enjoy it a lot. I find it very relaxing and rewarding. Even in the beginning stages. Once you become comfortable on the lathe, that's when you start wanting to do more and more.

If you order a 24,Thats the plug size,the epoxy used when making the knot will swell above the plug making it about 26mm
Do not bore any holes untill you have the knot in hand.