Semogue 830 with a loose knot

**lenard** · 08-09-2012, 04:44 AM

I went to use my 830 the other day and I noticed the knot was loose, I can actually turn the knot around in the handle but I could not pull it out. I hadn't used the brush for a few months but I don't think it was like this the last time I used it. Any ideas on how I might be able to fix this?

**Foyle** · 08-09-2012, 06:18 AM

The best way that I can see is to try to get the knot out of the handle completely. That way you can re-epoxy it back in. You really won't be able to get any epoxy into the handle with the knot still in.

I repaired a Semogue after the knot fell out once and I noticed that the knot fit the metal cup in the handle very tightly. I suggest you keep trying the work the knot out of the handle. Try turning it as you pull and see if you can coax it out.

Failing that I have a radical suggestion. Follow this at your own risk. I repair guitars and in my business sometimes I have to repair cracked instruments where the crack is so fine that it can't be opened enough to properly apply hide glue or Titebond to glue the crack shut. In such instances I use water thin super glue. It wicks down into the finest crevices and cures very rapidly and makes for an excellent repair. You could try that. You'll want to use a pippette to apply the super glue exactly where you want it and to control exactly how much glue you're applying. I've never done this to a brush but my theory is that the glue will wick its way down under the hair knot and repair the failed epoxy. If you can't get the knot out it's worth a shot.

EDIT: I can foresee the possibility of the super glue wicking into the hair knot itself ruining the brush. I believe Semogue seals the base of the knot with a resin which might prevent the glue from being absorbed by the hair knot. However, don't proceed with the superglue option with out due consideration of the consequences. Were I in your position I'd probably try this, but I've had experience using super glue in this way. You may want to shy away from it if you're worried the brush might be ruined.

You should be able to find a water thin super glue at a woodworking store. I don't know if you have a Rockler store down-under, or someplace similar. If not, and if your hardware store doesn't carry water thin super glue you can put regular super glue in the freezer. When super glue gets to freezer temperature it gets more runny rather than actually freezing.

Let us know how your repair efforts go.

**Foyle** · 08-09-2012, 06:22 AM

Also, if you're not experienced with using super glue get some skin-debonder or other super glue solvent in case you get any on your fingers. Super glue cures instantly when it comes in contact with skin. You don't want to glue your fingers together.

Also, make sure the brush is totally dry before beginning. Water will cause super glue to cure immediately and it may cure before it can wick it's way down to the broken epoxy if there's any water in there.

**lenard** · 08-11-2012, 05:27 AM

Thanks for the advice. I tried my best to prise the knot free but it would not budge but I found if I turn it to a certain position it does not move around so that will have to do for now.

Originally Posted by Foyle

Also, if you're not experienced with using super glue get some skin-debonder or other super glue solvent in case you get any on your fingers. Super glue cures instantly when it comes in contact with skin. You don't want to glue your fingers together.

I know all about the wicking properties of super glue, I used when I made rubber band powered model planes. I glued my fingers together several times and had to use Acetone to free them

**mistervee123** · 08-11-2012, 11:01 AM

Wow. That's a weird one for a Semogue. I had the same brush, no problems. I'd be tempted to contact the company and see if they would fix or replace it.

**BigBadJohn** · 08-13-2012, 12:50 PM

My Owner's Club brush acted just like you describe. Turning the knot would cause it to tighten up in the handle....just before it fell out. Also noticed that after soaking in hot water for the shave the knot would no longer be loose. Here's a link to what mine looked like when it failed and how to fix it. Others have has this experience with Semogue. http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...Brush-Question BBJ

**lenard** · 08-14-2012, 03:44 AM

Originally Posted by mistervee123

Wow. That's a weird one for a Semogue. I had the same brush, no problems. I'd be tempted to contact the company and see if they would fix or replace it.

The brush is about 18 months old, I am not going to bother getting a replacement.

Originally Posted by BigBadJohn

My Owner's Club brush acted just like you describe. Turning the knot would cause it to tighten up in the handle....just before it fell out. Also noticed that after soaking in hot water for the shave the knot would no longer be loose. Here's a link to what mine looked like when it failed and how to fix it. Others have has this experience with Semogue. http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...Brush-Question BBJ

Thanks for the link, seems like a common problem with Semogues. Try as I might I could not pull the knot out it just spins in the cup.