Thread: Making a brush

I have started something fun or stupid...I'm not sure which yet. I just bought a 30mm silver tip knot from the Golden Nib. I also picked up a nice wooden blank (a dowel section) from them to make a handle. The blank should be long enough for two handles. My plan is to make one longer and larger than normal with the hope it will fit my larger than normal hand. I do not do wood turning so I will be using wood rasps and sand paper. Anybody gone down this road before? I'm looking for any suggestions, tips, or recommendations for professional psychiatric care.

Before I owned a lathe, the first brush I made was will a drill press using a rasp and sandpaper.
I still use that brush on a regular basis.

Since I got a lathe, however, I would not make another brush with anything else...

How are you planning on making your brush?

My plan is to use a drill bit to make the well for the knot. I was planning on using wood rasps and sandpaper to shap the wood blank into something comfortable in the hand.

I made my brush also. There are pictures of it here My first brush!

The only issue I had was I fitted the knot extremely tight before I put the finish on. After the finish was on the wood the knot would no longer fit so I had some sanding to do to get it to fit right again. Other than that I had no issues and a lot of fun in the process.

You will love whatever your hands decide to make for you.

Good luck and I can't wait to see some pictures!

Some of my past brushes were carved rather than turned, but I will no longer use this method and no longer offer that option. It is truly rewarding though. How are your woodworking skills?

At one time there was no such thing as power tools and all wood was hand worked. So, as long as your skills are up to it do it the old fashioned way. Just like shaving eh?

I suspect that they were "hand worked" on a foot peddle lathe back then. That said, I've seen a number of very nice looking hand carved handles posted, so if you are patient, there is no reason why you can't end up with a great brush that you'll really love. I made a brush on my lathe that I use from time to time, and there really is something special about using a brush that you have made yourself.