Am I crazy, or can I build my own brush?

[Blaser0217]

So, some of the posts about restores got me to poking around TGN last night, and I started thinking that I could order the components for a nice silvertip brush for somewhere around $50.

Am I crazy for thinking I can build my own brush? I mean, if I can get the materials for around $50, and, based on reading the threads on restoring, it seems like it's just a matter of gluing the knot into the handle, I can get a pretty nice brush for around 1/2 the price of one I would buy already made. This seems too good to be true, which is why I'm posting the question.

Thanks, gents.

 

[JPDyson]

Yes - just be careful not to use too much epoxy (it spills out and creates a mess you can't clean. I will say that the TGN brushes aren't without compromise, but represent a GREAT value.

 

[bmc1979]

Yes it is possible and for me I've done 4 restores. But beware it leads to another AD. I thought I was done and just ended up buying 4 more handles.

 

[Blaser0217]

Yes - just be careful not to use too much epoxy (it spills out and creates a mess you can't clean. I will say that the TGN brushes aren't without compromise, but represent a GREAT value.

Setting aside any potential screw-ups on my part, do you think I'll be satisfied with the TGN products? Are there any other sources that I should look at? FWIW I'm using an AOS Pure Badger right now.

Yes it is possible and for me I've done 4 restores. But beware it leads to another AD. I thought I was done and just ended up buying 4 more handles.

I see that on the horizon. Ideally, I'd like to find a wicked awesome vintage brush to restore, but I might buy a handle for my first go-around. With silvertip knots in the range of $20-$30 bucks I could build a cabinet full of these things at a fraction of the cost.

 

[bmc1979]

Setting aside any potential screw-ups on my part, do you think I'll be satisfied with the TGN products? Are there any other sources that I should look at? FWIW I'm using an AOS Pure Badger right now.

I see that on the horizon. Ideally, I'd like to find a wicked awesome vintage brush to restore, but I might buy a handle for my first go-around. With silvertip knots in the range of $20-$30 bucks I could build a cabinet full of these things at a fraction of the cost.

TGN knots are great and are what I've used in my restores. Can't go wrong with them. Great product and great to deal with.

All the handles I've bought have been vintage ones. It's nice to bring something old back to life.

 

[Mr. Imperial]

Setting aside any potential screw-ups on my part, do you think I'll be satisfied with the TGN products?

Talk to Rudy Vey. TGN knots are pretty much all he uses, and as a satisfied customer, I can say I'm very, very pleased!

 

[Go West Young Man]

If you have the skills to work with the basic materials, you'll always pay less than you would to buy a finished product. If you have the tools and knowledge to turn wood, you can easily custom make a handle and install a knot in it, probably for about 25% of what a new brush would run you.

Me, I have 2 thumbs and that orange Ikea screwdriver/hammer set. I'm buying all my brushes at the store

 

[JPDyson]

Setting aside any potential screw-ups on my part, do you think I'll be satisfied with the TGN products? Are there any other sources that I should look at? FWIW I'm using an AOS Pure Badger right now.

Most certainly - they are very good. I think they fall short of some of the premium brushes out there, but that's me picking nits. I have owned one that Tony (proprietor of TGN) actually made for me, and it was a superb brush considering the price.

 

[skipnord]

Tony (golden nib) is now selling turned handles, so all you need to make an excellent brush is basic epoxy gluing skills.