Thread: brush project

I was inspired by this hand made brush.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/brush...ning-here.html

I bought some wenge wood and cut a small block off..first thing I noticed was that I totaly misjudged the hardness off this wood..

I dont have a drill press and I just bought a flat spade drill bit to drill the hole for the knot. I couldnt find a forstner bit at 22mm
I'm planning to first drill a small center hole and then use the paddle bit to drill the actual hole.

When the hole is there I will shape the rest of the handle to my liking , finish it off and mount the knot.

I've got two questions.
- how deep should the hole for the knot be.. I ordered the knott at the golden nib but I haven't received it yet
-I'm a bit worried that the drill bit will not work with wenge as this wood splinters quite easily.. will this work? I've got enough wood for about 10 brushes so I could just give it a try..

Maarten

I don't think your spade bit is going to be suitable. It will splinter or crack the wood. You need to invest in a small set of Forstner bits. A 7/8" should be the right bit to use. If it is too small use a 1". I just noticed you are from the land of Metrics so that is the way to go for you. Wait until you get your knot and drill until it looks right.

bj

using an f bit without a drill press is kinda hard to pull off, 2sharp

I'm not sure you want a pilot hole with the spade bit. if it is too big the lead has nothing to bite.

A screw feed gave me fits when i drilled mine with a spade bit. I'd use the old style without next time.

I think a brand new one will work for you just start slow, and make sure it is secure, and large enough oversize to prevent splitting.

If you are using a spade bit make sure that wood is clamped down for sure or you could have a masacre on your hands. I'd wait until I had the knot before determining depth b/c the knots have small irregularities that you may just need to see before you get a good fit.

I think I'll just give it a go as soon as the knot arrives and let you all know how it went..If it doesnt work I'll figure out another way to get a forstner bit.

Maarten

Originally Posted by kevint

using an f bit without a drill press is kinda hard to pull off, 2sharp

I'm not sure you want a pilot hole with the spade bit. if it is too big the lead has nothing to bite.

A screw feed gave me fits when i drilled mine with a spade bit. I'd use the old style without next time.

I think a brand new one will work for you just start slow, and make sure it is secure, and large enough oversize to prevent splitting.

You are probably right about drilling without a drill press Kevin. I think I could do it with the block in a vise and drill horizontally. I was lucky enough to have access to a drill press so I did it that way. It is a feeling of accomplishment when you have the end product and it works well.

bj

the problem is the lead/center point is often too short for a positive start and the bit walks. You could make a jig with a spade bit/ hole saw that would hold the f-bit stationary.

If you are going to sink the knot in to any sort of depth (to reduce loft, which I recommend) the actual hole you will have to drill out will probably have to be about 3mm larger in diameter than the given knot size. This is due to the glue in the base of the know being slightly larger right about the knot base plug.

So, wait until you have the knot in hand before drilling anything!

Originally Posted by Seraphim

If you are going to sink the knot in to any sort of depth (to reduce loft, which I recommend) the actual hole you will have to drill out will probably have to be about 3mm larger in diameter than the given knot size. This is due to the glue in the base of the know being slightly larger right about the knot base plug.

So, wait until you have the knot in hand before drilling anything!

Great point

Originally Posted by Seraphim

If you are going to sink the knot in to any sort of depth (to reduce loft, which I recommend) the actual hole you will have to drill out will probably have to be about 3mm larger in diameter than the given knot size. This is due to the glue in the base of the know being slightly larger right about the knot base plug.

So, wait until you have the knot in hand before drilling anything!

what do you mean?