Brush and Razor Project

[willfull04]

I'm working on a going away gift for someone retiring at work. We fly the AC-130H, which used to have 2x 7.62mm miniguns, 2x 20mm miniguns, a 40mm cannon, and a 105mm howitzer. I managed to get a couple 20mm casings and a couple 7.62x51 casings and my idea was to make a shaving brush out of the 20mm. I had the 20mm casing cut down to about 2" tall, and the inside diameter is around 25mm (i plan on measuring it more accurately before ordering a knot from TGN, i just dont have a caliper). The 7.62 casings are 51mm tall, with an inside diameter at the neck at 7.62mm (imagine that).

So, i'm looking for ideas on how to mount these and complete the project. The casings are obviously hollow. The 20mm probably has enough weight on its own, so would it work to just epoxy the sides of the knot to the inside of the case or should i fill the casing with something (plaster??) to provide a surface on the bottom to epoxy to? Although the edge was beveled when it was cut, i would also like to come up with a way to pad the top edge of the case so it is not cutting the brush fibers.

For the razor, i was looking at the safety razor from TGN (http://thegoldennib.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=117). The casing is much too light, so i'd likely want to fill it with something to add weight, but not sure what. I'm also unsure of how to mount the head. If i can find a nut of the correct thread and outside diameter, i could possibly epoxy it inside the neck of the case.

Any thoughts or ideas or feedback on something i havent thought of would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Will

 

[mblakele]

What, no 105-mm brush? Not even 40-mm?

I would worry about having empty space underneath the knot. Over time some water might get in there. So I would build up a shelf of some kind. I think it will be easier to set the knot that way, too. But judging by vintage handles, plaster does not hold up well. Maybe epoxy putty?

For the rim, my first thought is something like the plastic or metal cups that boar knots often have: like http://thegoldennib.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_45&products_id=324 although that is too big for this job. Maybe something like plasti-dip? Or find an O-ring that can slip around the base of the knot and sit just high enough to guard the knot?

Adding weight to the razor handle should be relatively easy: lead shot and lead solder are often used. Take a look at http://badgerandblade.com/vb/forumdisplay.php/54-Brush-Making-and-Restorations for more ideas. Epoxy the extra weight in place and you should also have a shelf for that nut, too.

Are you doing anything about the brass itself? Over time it will develop patina and some corrosion. Brass corrosion is not nearly as bad as rust, but if you want it to stay shiny it will need either polishing or some kind of clear-coat.

 

[willfull04]

I was thinking a coat or 2 of rattle can clear coat after polishing them up would keep them looking nice. They originally had a OD green coat of paint but the guy who gave me the brass took that off and polished them up for me.

 

[steakandale]

I would fill the 20mm in with something. Resin might do that nicely (measure the knot seating depth first to get your "fill line"). Then epoxy to install the knot.

I had a 20mm casing for years in its natural patina. Either way would look great. It won't go into a stand too easily I imagine, unless you fab up one to fit the case rim.

 

[gunslinger1108]

Awesome idea for a brush. I would make a plug out of resin to fill up the 25mm hollow space and provide a cavity for the knot.+1 in filling the handle with lead shot and epoxy to gain the weight you like for the razor handle. If you had the tools available I would suggest taking a brass rod that would fit the neck of the casing and drill and tap the correct thread for the head of the razor.

 

[willfull04]

Got a DE safety razor head from TGN. TGN was out of 24mm knots so i got a 24mm Silvertip from whipped dog on the way as well.

 

[willfull04]

Finished up th brush handle yesterday. Here is a couple pics. Comes in at 120g and about 14.5mm depth for the knot. Ended up filling it with epoxy putty and a 1" washer for a flat base. I'll post more pics when I get the knot in, should be delivered later this week.


Since its a 2nd retirement gift (he retired and was recalled for 3 years and is now retiring again) for a guy in my unit, i'm thinking of having our unit patch engraved on it. I'm thinking of powder coating it black and then having a cut out effect.

 

[gunslinger1108]

looks great so far. would love to find a shell or two to do that a friend of mine. I might use one of my 40mm shells

 

[willfull04]

40mm would be a huge brush, haha.

 

[willfull04]

Here's a taste of the finished product. The knot and razor head are not set yet, still need to polish and seal before i complete assembly.

 

[.soap.]

Here's a taste of the finished product. The knot and razor head are not set yet, still need to polish and seal before i complete assembly.View attachment 313979

Fantastic turnout and great project

Thank you for your service!

 

[gunslinger1108]

Wow, those are awesome. makes me want to find a brass Gillette tech and mod the handle to fit a 308 shell.

 

[Lexbomb]

That looks great, good job and a very nice gift

 

[willfull04]

Well, here's the finished project. Whipped Dog 24m silvertip knot mounted in a cut down 20mm case and a TGN razor head mounted in a 7.62mm case (these are a gift). I had 2 casings so in the other one i put a 24mm TGN Finest Fan XH; keeping this one for my self.

 

[SGHinds]

I have to say that is the coolest brush I have seen so far. I am a gun guy and a reloader, and love brass casings.

Nice work and thanks for your service.

 

[kenac]

wont the brass tarnish with age? did you coat it?

 

[willfull04]

Yeah it would tarnish on its own. But I picked up a laquer for metals and put a few coats of that on after abrading the surface a little for it to bite to. I did a lather with each after completing the brushes (last week). No tarnish visible, water just beads right off.