First restoration - what size knot?

[NSmalls]

Hey everybody! I'm attempting my first brush restoration. I was gifted a pretty sweet lucite handle with a mediocre boar knot in it. I steamed out the knot this morning. The inside diameter of the opening in the handle is 22 mm. What size knot can I install? My intuition tells me to use a 20 mm knot but I was curious if a 22 mm would fit. Let me know what you think, thanks!

quick update: I have already ordered the knot and the restoration is in progress!

 

[ShaveYourSoul]

A 22mm knot is going to be close. Keep in mind that the quoted sizes are the plug size. The hair above it will be larger than that. How deep will the knot be set?

 

[NSmalls]

Justin thanks for answering so quick! It will be set 15.5 mm into the handle.

 

[ShaveYourSoul]

You're welcome! I would go with a 20mm if I were you.

 

[NSmalls]

Ok thank you so much! I will order it now and post a pic when it's wrapped up.

 

[NSmalls]

I am typically a 24x50 bulb guy, but since this is a 20mm knot, I ordered a fan so it would have a larger face feel.

 

[FL shaver]

How did the handle tolerate the steaming process? I've been reluctant to use steam on any handle even though many swear by it. And don't forget the pictures!

 

[NSmalls]

It went pretty well. I would be hesitant to use this method on any natural materials. The handle is made of solid lucite so it wasn't a huge deal. The knot came right out and so did the epoxy. It was MUCH easier than cutting and drilling, and probably a lot better for the handle too. I followed this tutorial:

http://youtu.be/fv0bcIRz-CY

 

[JaxJim]

How did the handle tolerate the steaming process? I've been reluctant to use steam on any handle even though many swear by it. And don't forget the pictures!

Same here-- never tried using steam because of the horror stories I've read here and elsewhere. I don't think there would be a problem using steam on a metal or, perhaps, even wood, handle, but with any type of plastic, I'd be extremely gun shy.

 

[NSmalls]

I have opposite feelings. I don't think the acrylic would be damaged, but I would never do it to a wood handle. I would do it with metal though. The handle was something that I got for free with no sentimental value. I am really just doing the project for the experience.

 

[brother cavefish]

i would go with the 22mm it might be smaller, bur 20mm will get you a thicker epoxy wall thats about it

 

[ShaveYourSoul]

i would go with the 22mm it might be smaller, bur 20mm will get you a thicker epoxy wall thats about it

He's planning on setting the knot ~15mm down. So I think he would have trouble with a 22mm knot as the hair above the plug is ~23mm

 

[NSmalls]

I already ordered the 20 mm in a fan shape

 

[ShaveYourSoul]

I already ordered the 20 mm in a fan shape

You did the right thing. That fan will give you a larger face feel for sure. Let us know how it turns out!

 

[mattdenicola]

Let us know how it turns out!

... with PICS!

 

[NSmalls]

 

[FL shaver]

I didn't anticipate the metal cup. Interesting.....

 

[NSmalls]

That's what's cool about vintage stuff, you never know what you're gonna get.

 

[FL shaver]

Or the size!

 

[tomcj2]

When you order advise them of the diameter of the hole in the handle. TGN measures the widest point, WD measures the plug.