Question

**shrubble** · 03-14-2011, 11:31 AM

Ok, I'm checking out these restorations, this is something I could get into in a MAJOR way, I LOVE some of the work I'm seeing here, my question is: how did everyone learn how to do this?

I think I understand a lot of how to work with the handle, what I'm trying to understand is how the hair is anchored, and where do you guys source your fibers from?

I'm sure a giant hair-stacker, like the kind used to tie giant saltwater flies could probably come in handy here!

Thanks in advance!

-Tom

**SliceOfLife** · 03-14-2011, 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by shrubble

Ok, I'm checking out these restorations, this is something I could get into in a MAJOR way, I LOVE some of the work I'm seeing here, my question is: how did everyone learn how to do this?

I think I understand a lot of how to work with the handle, what I'm trying to understand is how the hair is anchored, and where do you guys source your fibers from?

I'm sure a giant hair-stacker, like the kind used to tie giant saltwater flies could probably come in handy here!

Thanks in advance!

-Tom

Buy knots premade from The Golden Nib. Just glue/epoxy them into the handles after they're cleaned and gutted.

http://www.thegoldennib.com/index.ph...007f6edda772fa

There are also a few places that will set their own knots in a handle for you if you pay them.

Shavemac, Simpsons (Maybe only in simpsons handles, dunno), and Lee Sabini are the three I know of.

**shrubble** · 03-14-2011, 01:30 PM

Thanks Ian!

**shrubble** · 03-14-2011, 01:33 PM

That is awesome!

So basically if I find an old brush that I like, I can clean it up, do whatever I want with it, buy a knot that'll fit it, and just use like 2-part epoxy to put it together?

Freaking amazing! There have been so many brushes I've wanted to buy, but I had no idea where to begin with the whole re-knotting thing... thanks guys!

Pjotr · 03-14-2011, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by shrubble

That is awesome!

So basically if I find an old brush that I like, I can clean it up, do whatever I want with it, buy a knot that'll fit it, and just use like 2-part epoxy to put it together?

Freaking amazing! There have been so many brushes I've wanted to buy, but I had no idea where to begin with the whole re-knotting thing... thanks guys!

It can be that easy. Or, like me, you end up having to rebuild the handle and paste the insides to create a proper aperture for the knot to sit. For that reason, if it's your first I'd avoid the two piece, bakelite handles. Even then there's nothing too complicated about it. You don't really need any electrical tools. They might be handy and quick but as with almost any practical skill, if you don't know how to do it by hand you shouldn't be doing it with a machine.

**huck1680** · 03-14-2011, 08:03 PM

Now where it gets really interesting Tom, is when you want to make one for yourself. That's when turning etc takes ahold. The range of materiel that you can employ is amazing. I tend to favour antler (at least until I get a mini lathe to do some stuff in wood) it's easy to work with, you need a minimum of tools and the results can be spectacular. Here's a few examples of stuff that I've done. Good luck and this is a fun journey it just takes a couple of steps.

**JohnnyDemonic** · 03-17-2011, 06:16 AM

Originally Posted by huck1680

Now where it gets really interesting Tom, is when you want to make one for yourself. That's when turning etc takes ahold. The range of materiel that you can employ is amazing. I tend to favour antler (at least until I get a mini lathe to do some stuff in wood) it's easy to work with, you need a minimum of tools and the results can be spectacular. Here's a few examples of stuff that I've done. Good luck and this is a fun journey it just takes a couple of steps.

Those are amazing. Do you buy the antlers, find them in the wild or are they something left over from hunting? Also, is that a shotgun shell brass at the bottom of the atler?

I live near a state park and can usually find some decent Whitetail sheds in the spring.

**Hex** · 03-17-2011, 06:23 AM

Originally Posted by huck1680

Now where it gets really interesting Tom, is when you want to make one for yourself. That's when turning etc takes ahold. The range of materiel that you can employ is amazing. I tend to favour antler (at least until I get a mini lathe to do some stuff in wood) it's easy to work with, you need a minimum of tools and the results can be spectacular. Here's a few examples of stuff that I've done. Good luck and this is a fun journey it just takes a couple of steps.

Huck, did you make these without having a lathe ?

**shrubble** · 03-17-2011, 07:25 AM

This is all some really good stuff. I think I have enough toolage to at least get a start, and I am forever running across old cool looking brushes with bad knots on them.

I'm sure I'll be back with plenty of questions!

**huck1680** · 03-17-2011, 09:53 AM

Guys

The antlers are sheds, I use whitetail and elk. I use a drillpress, a grinder and an oscillating spindle sander. I am going to be getting a lathe so it'll be cool to see what can be done.