Thread: Carbon fiber.

I really love 20mm 2-band badger knots!

Originally Posted by Audels1

A couple of problems have arose. 1 the foam cores I have are on the narrow side for brushes so 20mm might be the biggest knot I will be able to get into it. 2 I will have to bore the inlet for the knot prior to skinning with the carbon so I can find a way to have the carbon return into the inlet and cover the foam. I am thinking some kind if ridged tube that the resin won't stick to so it can be pulled out after it cures.
Attachment 335519

I'm really anxious to see how this turns out.

I don't have lots to refence aside from the 3 brushes I own. So I have a question for all the brush makers/Users

I know lots of things are personal preference but what would your guys consider a good OD at the widest point? I am thinking if I poor cores at 2"x 2" then turn them to round that should leave me at around 1 5/8" - 1 3/4 " OD. or do you think I can poor a little smaller. and cut down on the waste a bit?

let’s math it up with a 22.5mm knot
The hole would likely be 25mm
Plus four thicknesses of carbon fibre
Plus two thicknesses of how thin you can make the foam
= the outside diameter of the brush.

Its to early for me to think that hard.
I was really thinking More along the line of what feels good in the hand.

I just was thinking thanks REZ engaging my brain...LOL
I think Balsa would make a good core for this. it was used to core fiberglass boats before thy started using foam. it is much easier to source in the size I need and will save me the trouble of pouring foam blanks. Since I need to wait for my resin to come in I'll make quick trip to Hobby lobby and try one of those also.

2” is a great stock size to start brush cores from.
I make some with alumilite and use 2” id poly tubes as my molds for the blanks.
Balsa turns so fast, maybe bass wood is another option and it provides some mass inside the finished handle so it’s not to knot heavy when done and standing up.

Will be watching this develop as well.

Originally Posted by MikeB52

2” is a great stock size to start brush cores from.
I make some with alumilite and use 2” id poly tubes as my molds for the blanks.
Balsa turns so fast, maybe bass wood is another option and it provides some mass inside the finished handle so it’s not to knot heavy when done and standing up.

Will be watching this develop as well.

I was thinking about the weight. with fishing rod grips it was all about cutting weight. So the foam cores are extremely light. So much so I was thinking about adding weight to the brush. the more I think about it the more I think a different core material is necessary. Or at least more appropriate. Im still going to finish the foam core just to see how it turns out. Maybe add something set into the bottom before skinning it.

Yup, brushes should balance on your finger mid way dry, IMO. Adds to the overall pleasure if they aren’t top or really bottom heavt.
Flat bottom to stand up while lathering is nice too if you don’t always use a Skuttle so I consider that in building them too, or try to.

I like a brush to be bottom heavy. Not extreme but a little. Holds in the hand better IMO. And yes. Flat bottom is a must. Even just a small area as it needs to stand.
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My preference in know size is 24 to 26mm. But everyone is different.