Couple of questions on custom wooden handle

[duck dive steve]

Hi All

I've got in touch with the local woodturners society about some custom shave handles. They are happy to try itbut no one has made a brush handle before. The gentlemen I'm dealing with says he is competent technically but unsure of the specific. I know nothing about wood turning and even less about brush making so its a caseof the blind leading the slightly less blind. I was wondering if someone could provide a few answers to some questions?

1. If I want the handle to fit a 24mm knot should the hole be exactly 24mm or slightly bigger?

2. How far should the knot be allowed to sit in the handle?

3. Is there a special kind of varnish to waterproof the wood?

4. Any common issues or problems that were likely to run in to on this venture?

5. Whats a good starting wood? Not to expensive but would give a quality handle.

Feel free to give any other tips or advice if you think it would be useful. Thank you

 

[deruitem]

1. If I want the handle to fit a 24mm knot should the hole be exactly 24mm or slightly bigger?
It would be about 2mm bigger or maybe more. I would get the knot first and estimate it, then use a dremel to open the hole a little.

2. How far should the knot be allowed to sit in the handle?
This would depend on what loft you want but most of the time close to 15mm
3. Is there a special kind of varnish to waterproof the wood?
Any waterproof finish. I use CA and the turner use that a lot for pens
4. Any common issues or problems that were likely to run in to on this venture?
Someone who has done some turning should have no problems
5. Whats a good starting wood? Not to expensive but would give a quality handle.
Anything should be fine. Your fellow woodworkers should be able to help here.

Hope this helps