Thread: An opportunity for something better.

Originally Posted by stoneandstrop

Not sure I have the same opinion.
Whether an oversize hole is completely filled with epoxy and knot or a snug knot glued only on the bottom - the handle will subjected to the same stress, maybe more so if its mostly epoxy.
For a handle to split because of the fit it would indicate a movement of the base material (wood) mainly being the issue.
Properly stabilized is a must.
I have never had a handle fail and I have made plenty. I don't mean ordering handles and knots then just gluing them in. That is not making a handle that is assembling a handle
Yes, many retailers do suggest the size as they want the knot to fit with no fitting of the handle required, hence more of a drop in fit for simplicity.

Yes, the use of stabilised wood is the best option for wooden handles. The handle I had fail was not on a brush that I ordered the handle for and a knot from another source but a "custom" hand made handle and the handle maker also supplied and and fitted the knot to the loft I wanted. I have also bought a Vintage Simpsons brush that had a crack/split in the handle and the handle was not wood. I have not, so far, had a handle split from me fitting a new knot into it as per the seller's recommendation on handle hole size. Those knots were all a bit of a snug press fit and certainly not just drop in and rattle around variety of fit. Anyway everyone has their own experience with how to set knots.

Bob

Originally Posted by stoneandstrop

I think too many people just suggest a 2mm bigger hole as a norm.
There is no norm.
Get the bulb in hand and drill then or have the knot prior to making the handle (best option and the one I use). I like to drill the hole then turn the handle.
As mentioned I like to have to push fit a knot, not just drop it in.
Also mentioned was the same knot was reinserted into a 7/8 hole for much better functioning brush. That's a lot of epoxy to make up for a sloppy hole.

I really only use 22mm,24mm and on occasion 26mm knots I also did a 30mm for a customer once.
As you do, I always drill my hole then fit the brush then get turning.
I use a 7/8inch (22.25mm) hole for a 22mm knot the rest start at 1 inch (25.4mm)then I adjust to the proper size for the knot. I don't measure this i just widen the hole until I like how the knot fits. But if I had to guess I would say .5 to 1mm larger than the knot. I never use epoxy to set the knot. I use silicone as it allows for movement.

Nevertheless, your brush is beautiful.