First Restore Q

**aldesso** · 02-20-2011, 06:57 AM

Just scored two fuller brushes on the bay. I plan on using them as my first restores. Probably the one on the right first (worth it?)

As far as the one on the Left, what kind of knot should I use? Should I stick with boar in order to have a less "bloomy" knot? I still want to be able to use the stand that comes with it.

Any input welcome.
Marc

**Snargle** · 02-20-2011, 08:28 AM

I think the Butterscotch and Black brush is definitely worth a refurb. It looks pretty nasty now, but I've been surprised how nice some of these old handles will clean up with a little elbow grease and time. I'll leave the boar vs badger question to other, more experienced craftsmen!

**aldesso** · 02-21-2011, 09:52 AM

Thanks Snargle,
After researching some more , I found a nice refurbished example...

(Pic borrowed from Rudy Vey)

For all the specialist out there, If I understand correctly, I could adjust the loft by simply hollowing the handle a bit further...Can you confirm this

**Hex** · 02-21-2011, 11:31 AM

Yes, you will make the hole a bit wider and possibly a bit deeper.

**aldesso** · 02-21-2011, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by Hex

Yes, you will make the hole a bit wider and possibly a bit deeper.

Great, Thanks ...

**mattymatt** · 02-21-2011, 11:56 AM

Cograts! That one on the right will look great!

**aldesso** · 03-02-2011, 11:30 AM

Got them cleaned up and deknotted. went a step further on the butterscotch/black by shaving the production mold lines.
Here is the big q? do you think a 20mm knot will be too tight for 20.5mm space? I understand I may need to sand a bit.

Any help greatly appreciated

**Snargle** · 03-02-2011, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by aldesso

Got them cleaned up and deknotted. went a step further on the butterscotch/black by shaving the production mold lines.
Here is the big q? do you think a 20mm knot will be too tight for 20.5mm space? I understand I may need to sand a bit.

Any help greatly appreciated

I have the same butterscotch-black handle that's eventually going to be restored. I was thinking 20mm for that one, also. It looks like the TGN knots run a millimeter or so smaller than the specified diameter, so I don't think a 20mm would be a problem. If it's tight, it wouldn't take much to open up the hole a bit.

How did the mold line shaving work out? What tools/technique did you use? I wouldn't mind also removing them from my handle.

**aldesso** · 03-02-2011, 04:38 PM

Originally Posted by Snargle

I have the same butterscotch-black handle that's eventually going to be restored. I was thinking 20mm for that one, also. It looks like the TGN knots run a millimeter or so smaller than the specified diameter, so I don't think a 20mm would be a problem. If it's tight, it wouldn't take much to open up the hole a bit.

How did the mold line shaving work out? What tools/technique did you use? I wouldn't mind also removing them from my handle.

Cool thanks. as far as the mold lines, I carefully removed it with a sharp exacto and flushed it with fine sandpaper ...then on to polish...400 grit all the way to 12K...then paste

**jwcarlson** · 03-04-2011, 10:39 AM

Can't wait to see them done.

If you contact Tony @ TGN he can probably send you a 20 mm that's running a little on the small side (19.5 mm or so) if you're worried. I don't mean to put words in his mouth but I've talked to him extensively and he's always been more than helpful!

**Brownbear** · 03-04-2011, 10:55 AM

I have two of those butter handles, one of which I polished and left with the mold lines, the other I removed the lines and polished. I can't decide which I like the best, they are both beauties. I like those little handles, subtle but lovely and usually in really good shape.

**PozzSka** · 03-04-2011, 01:21 PM

After a good washing, I've found that the nail buffer/polisher (not a file!) things work to get out small superficial blemishes and scuffs on the old plastic.

**aldesso** · 03-04-2011, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by jwcarlson

Can't wait to see them done.

If you contact Tony @ TGN he can probably send you a 20 mm that's running a little on the small side (19.5 mm or so) if you're worried. I don't mean to put words in his mouth but I've talked to him extensively and he's always been more than helpful!

Me neither... the knots should be coming in mid week... I ended up ordering the 20mm ... cream boar for the ivory one and best badger for the black/butterscoth (don't want to ruin a great knot on my first attempts...

I was thinking of packing the Fuller hanndle on the left with some sort of epoxy...it is on the really light side...not something I enjoy. What do you guys think? anyone done that before?

Cheers,

Marc

**kg4ghn** · 03-04-2011, 07:29 PM

I have heard of people stacking pennies and other things in there to increase the weight. I haven't tried it myself.

**aldesso** · 03-07-2011, 11:27 AM

Here is the test fit before finalizing. I still have to fill the cream one with epoxy/pennies for added weight

**PozzSka** · 03-07-2011, 11:46 AM

They both look awesome!

**Snargle** · 03-07-2011, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by aldesso

Here is the test fit before finalizing. I still have to fill the cream one with epoxy/pennies for added weight

Bravo! They look great!

**Hex** · 03-08-2011, 07:28 AM

Originally Posted by aldesso

Here is the test fit before finalizing. I still have to fill the cream one with epoxy/pennies for added weight

Nice work, and thanks for the help.

I had always wondered what knot would look best in that handle and you answered it for me.

**Deltaboy** · 03-08-2011, 12:34 PM

Nice restore!

**aldesso** · 03-14-2011, 12:17 PM

Just finished the cream Fuller.
I made a spacer from scrap pine I had laying around and test fitted until I had the correct loft to fit in the holder ... 43mm in this case. Here are all the parts before assembly...

I was too lazy to do 2 passes with the epoxy so I had to hold it by the knot until it set. you can see the extra washer and nut I added for weight.

And here is the final product ...