Do I HAVE to dig all this glue out?!?!

[joto]

I've been wanting to upgrade from my inexpensive Savile Row pure brush, and ordered a few Golden Nib tips to try out. The problem is, I'm digging out the old bristles and glue out of a junk shop handle, and the old adhesive is REALLY hard. Rock hard. Dulling-my-drill-bits-hard, I kid you not. Only by boiling it did it soften enough to even begin to attack it. I've managed get the old bristles out and chisel out enough of the old adhesive that I'm about a centimeter down into the handle, with a little adhesive left on the sides, but still plenty on the bottom. Is it absolutely necessary to get every last bit out to ensure a strong and permanent bond with the new knot and epoxy? I don't know if it is relevant, but the adhesive is a purplish brown.

I have already emptied a couple of other handles, and while they were not pleasant, they were no where as difficult as this. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Bobtrumpet]

If you have a lather or drill press, you can use a Forstner bit to cut out the offending material - watch the bit speed and the feed rate. I wouldn't try it freehand, though; too much of a chance of damaging the handle.

 

[joto]

Gotta be freehand- it's for my own personal use, so I don't care too much if there is minor handle damage. In fact, that ship has sailed...

 

[Bobtrumpet]

In that case, make sure you put the handle in a vice and free hand the drill (variable speed model preferred) - not the other way around!

Take your time and concentrate (like shaving with a straight ) and you should be okay.