Thread: Cork/ Burl Cork

I started this experiment this morning. I found that the cork ring I had here are only 1 1/4OD witch leaves very little room for the inlet for the knot. 1 1/2-1 3/4OD would give me more room. so I found one of the wife's old yoga blocks made from the same cork. Cork Rings are available in 1 1/2OD and cork blocks are also available 2"x2"x11" and both can be had in different colors and patterns. But for this experiment the Yoga block was just collecting dust and I can get 12 blanks 2"OD x 3" out of it.

Never having made a brush or replaced a knot I could use a little help on knot selection. I am thinking 23 MM max so I can have at least 8-9mm wall and may have to add some kind of thin walled ridged tubing inside to stiffen it up.

Wait to cut the inlet for the knot until you have it in hand. The glue varies quite a bit from stated knot sizes, you’re pretty close if you estimate a hole 1-2mm larger than the base of the knot.

Are you going to put a ring around the top, like bone, horn, antler, wood, brass or aluminum? It would add a massive amount of strength and probably look awesome, especially bone.

Originally Posted by RezDog

Are you going to put a ring around the top, like bone, horn, antler, wood, brass or aluminum? It would add a massive amount of strength and probably look awesome, especially bone.

Haven't thought about that. I will have to look into it. And see what I have.

Extremely rough shaping just to see where I want to glue the accents rings a over night dry and final shaping tomorrow.

Final shape. For me this is something I wanted to use what I had for rod building. So the finish is U40 cork sealer it Keeps the cork fishing rod handles from turning black so fast and makes cleaning them really easy but still keeps the cork feel in hand.
Not that a shaving brush is going to get fish slime or the oily fish scent we spray our baits with on it but I guess it is a fishing theme.
In keeping with that I found some over size winding checks I used for salt water surf rods and I may or may not put one on as a top trim ring or I may leave it as is and keep it simple

That looks nice and comfy.

Finished up with a 20mm synthetic knot. Decided against the aluminum trim ring it was a bit small and made the knot too stiff. Can't wait to give it a go and see how it holds up.

Looks good. Did you add any extra weight to the base?

Originally Posted by DZEC

Looks good. Did you add any extra weight to the base?

No I didn't feel that it needed it. The burl cork and rubberized rings have a bit of heft when compared to natural cork. Plus I filled the hole from the mandrel with epoxy before I glued in the knot.