Thread: Attempting a couple brushes

Originally Posted by xiaotuzi

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement fellas! I take it to heart and it means a lot, especially having seen some of the brilliant work you guys do.

I got what I think should be the last coat of tru-oil on them today, that makes 8 or 9 coats, and I will let them sit a couple days then set the knots. I think I'll try to end up with the loft a little over 50 mm, maybe 51-53, does that sound about right? Too tall?

Sounds like a downright diamond! Looking forward to seeing them done.
Sink 'em deep. Up fairly tight to the black.

Seeing big, fluffy blooms might be good entertainment.... We know better!

Some worker-bees out for a night on the town!
Make them work!

I was hoping to set the knots in them this weekend but I can see that the finish is too thin on the edges/corners. Just a very light sanding with 2000 grit to smooth the surface and then a quick polish looks like it exposed a tiny bit of wood places on the corners. Actually my first time working with tru-oil so it's a learning experience. I had been applying one very thin coat per day and 0000 steel wool between coats. Maybe there's a better method?

Originally Posted by xiaotuzi

I was hoping to set the knots in them this weekend but I can see that the finish is too thin on the edges/corners. Just a very light sanding with 2000 grit to smooth the surface and then a quick polish looks like it exposed a tiny bit of wood places on the corners. Actually my first time working with tru-oil so it's a learning experience. I had been applying one very thin coat per day and 0000 steel wool between coats. Maybe there's a better method?

I think that is exactly how it is done, Tuzi!

Finally got these two completed. I'm pleased with the results and think they will work for me very nicely.

Thanks, guys, for the advice and encouragement. This little project left me with two thoughts... I gained an even deeper respect for all the guys on here that make real brushes! The quality and craftsmanship in some of the brushes I've seen on here are mind-blowing and I've only had a tiny taste of what it must take to accomplish that. Someday, maybe, someday... The other thought is that I really want to get a lathe!

Wow, Garrison-Those are beautiful! Your level of craftsmanship on everything you turn out is really inspiring. I can only imagine what you will do with a lathe. Oh, and I think I need to try that Tru-Oil on my next set of wooden scales, too.

Ive used a small piece of brown grocery bag paper to smooth the tru-oil between coats. I found that trick on a knife site somewhere. It helps get any dust bumps out as well.

You should be tickled pink wit the results!
I would be proud to own either one of those beauties.
A lathe would be nice but I'm guessing that you got way more satisfaction doing it all by hand.
Congratulations on a fantastic job!

Pete <:-}

Wow! I really like the finish on the handles, they look great. Congratulations.

Ya those are excellent! I can tell this ISN'T your first time working wood, or working with Tru Oil.

Thanks guys! I can't wait to use them. Not my first time working with wood but it was the first time I used Tru-Oil. I like Matt's tip about the brown paper bag to wipe it on. The bottle said just use your finger and that's what I did at first but then the edges were thin and I had to go back and do a few more coats. I used a paper towel at that point and had better results but I think a brown paper bag would do even better. I get a lot of satisfaction from making useful things with my hands. It will be fun to use these!