Finally starting on my first restore!

[jzuzphreek]

First off, thanks to gmgaj for PIFfing me this great project! http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/325472-A-call-for-new-brush-restorers-PIF

I apologize for not being able to begin sooner. But I finally have the time and (some of) the resources needed to try my hand at restoration. The "before" pics can be seen in the above link, so I won't bother posting those here. So far I've got the knot cut down, and after about 45 minutes of drilling last night, I realize that a dremel would be much better. A friend is lending me one, so by this weekend I should have the knot out.

1) I want to try and smooth the (seam?) completely down, any recommendations regarding sandpaper or steel wool? Which grit should I begin with?
2) I want to attempt to restore the marking on the bottom (actually just a thin "cap" that came off. Will try to fill the etching with black paint.)
3) I'm not sure which knot to put in it. I'll probably get one from TGN, as that seems to be the cheapest/best source that I know of. Should I go Super Silvertip? Or Finest? This will be my first badger, and I'm an exclusive face latherer.

Here's the first picture (with the knot cut down).

 

[FL shaver]

I bought wetsand paper at Ace Hardware. A package contains 220, 330, 400, and 600. 220 will quickly and easily eliminate the line. You might start with 330, though, and see how it goes. I would choose a Dremel with the sanding drum attachment, then use sandpaper, and finally polish with some sort of compound. Take your time. It'll come out great!

 

[EFaden]

I bought wetsand paper at Ace Hardware. A package contains 220, 330, 400, and 600. 220 will quickly and easily eliminate the line. You might start with 330, though, and see how it goes. I would choose a Dremel with the sanding drum attachment, then use sandpaper, and finally polish with some sort of compound. Take your time. It'll come out great!

Thats about what I would do also...

 

[jzuzphreek]

I bought wetsand paper at Ace Hardware. A package contains 220, 330, 400, and 600. 220 will quickly and easily eliminate the line. You might start with 330, though, and see how it goes. I would choose a Dremel with the sanding drum attachment, then use sandpaper, and finally polish with some sort of compound. Take your time. It'll come out great!

You guys make it sound so easy.

Fortunately I got a few sheets of different grain wet sandpapers from Ace a few weeks ago. Can't remember the grains, but I'll put 'em to use tonight!

 

[EFaden]

You guys make it sound so easy.

Fortunately I got a few sheets of different grain wet sandpapers from Ace a few weeks ago. Can't remember the grains, but I'll put 'em to use tonight!

Just go slow. I prefer to use the sandpaper over the dremel... its easy to go too fast with the dremel.

 

[theretroshave]

3) I'm not sure which knot to put in it. I'll probably get one from TGN, as that seems to be the cheapest/best source that I know of. Should I go Super Silvertip? Or Finest? This will be my first badger, and I'm an exclusive face latherer.

You may want to give whipped dog a try, if you're looking to spend less on the knot. There aren't as many options as far as knot classifications, but Larry's silvertips are very nice. Good luck with your project (soon-to-be obsession)!

 

[jzuzphreek]

You may want to give whipped dog a try, if you're looking to spend less on the knot. There aren't as many options as far as knot classifications, but Larry's silvertips are very nice. Good luck with your project (soon-to-be obsession)!

I looked at his site. He seems to be all out atm.

There's a lady at a local flea market (where I've bought every razor I own), who has 2 brushes I'm hoping to buy and restore. One is an Everready (can't make out the model #) The other i think says "Rubberset" or something like that. I'm working on her, trying to get down to $10 for both.

 

[gmgaj]

It looks like you are off to a good start. I'm not sure how I would have completed any of mine without a dremel. It is just so much easier and faster to use than a drill. Just go slow. You have plenty of time.

Since you are a face latherer, do you like something more "scrubby" or soft and luxurious.

Super scrubby/scratchy: black or pure.
A good all around do everything: finest.
Soft and gentle: silvertip.

If you decide on silvertip, you might see how long before whipped dog gets more stock in. I prefer his silvertips, and the TGNs for other grades.

 

[jzuzphreek]

It looks like you are off to a good start. I'm not sure how I would have completed any of mine without a dremel. It is just so much easier and faster to use than a drill. Just go slow. You have plenty of time.

Since you are a face latherer, do you like something more "scrubby" or soft and luxurious.

Super scrubby/scratchy: black or pure.
A good all around do everything: finest.
Soft and gentle: silvertip.

If you decide on silvertip, you might see how long before whipped dog gets more stock in. I prefer his silvertips, and the TGNs for other grades.

Well... I got started with the dremel.

Let's just say... I'm not destined to be a surgeon.

Pics will follow tomorrow.

 

[gmgaj]

How are things progressing? Hopefully you are still doing well.

 

[jzuzphreek]

How are things progressing? Hopefully you are still doing well.

I actually brought the handle with me to work to snap some pictures today. I can't silence the shutter on my phone, so I've got to find some place away from my cube to shoot.

I'll give you a one word clue though.

Spoiler

gouges

 

[gmgaj]

I actually brought the handle with me to work to snap some pictures today. I can't silence the shutter on my phone, so I've got to find some place away from my cube to shoot.

I'll give you a one word clue though.

Spoiler

gouges

Inside or outside? My first one had a couple of good ones before I learned to work on technique. Now I use a conical machine bit because it doesn't try to jump, and then work out from there with a regular machining bit. I just smoothed them out as best I could, and then continued with the project. My first one wasn't perfect, but it turned out to be one of my favorites that I still use regularly.