First restore : looking knot input

[Ollie4ISU]

I got this nice little butterscotch for a song. I have the knot removed. The interior appears to be a very dense plaster. Presently the hole will hold nine dimes bottom to the rim with a bit of room to spare all the way around the dimes. That makes the knot bed almost exactly 18mm in diameter and 12.15mm deep. I am looking at the 18mmTGN Silvertip Grade A for the knot. That should make it 18x47 once glued in place. I presently have a Whipped Dog 24x49 and an SOC two band. I am hoping the TGN will have the softness of the WD tips and backbone between the other two. Does this seem a reasonable expectation? Does anyone have any other knot recommendations?

 

[Steadfast]

Try TGN's finest 2-band if you want soft and backbone. They're wonderful knots.

 

[Ollie4ISU]

Try TGN's finest 2-band if you want soft and backbone. They're wonderful knots.

Thanks for the suggestion. I am hoping to hit a middle ground between the WD and the SOC that I have now. I really like both brushes, but sometimes want the WD to be stiffer or want the SOC to be a little less. Maybe the finest is the way to go..... decisions, decisions

 

[Klopstick]

Finest for sure! Best bargain in shaving.

 

[ras120]

I like the direction you're headed with the Grade A set at 47mm. I've done several brushes at that loft with 20mm and 22mm knots and they are luxuriously soft with plenty of backbone.

If it were me, I would clean all that plaster out and fill the handle with epoxy (along with your dimes).

Oh, yeah, that's a real sweet looking handle also.

 

[Ollie4ISU]

I like the direction you're headed with the Grade A set at 47mm. I've done several brushes at that loft with 20mm and 22mm knots and they are luxuriously soft with plenty of backbone.

If it were me, I would clean all that plaster out and fill the handle with epoxy (along with your dimes).

Oh, yeah, that's a real sweet looking handle also.

I have been debating cleaning out more of the plaster, but I don't own a dremel tool and it is really slow going with a hand drill (I have used a couple dremel bits though which have helped a lot). Also, I am a little afraid to get too carried away cleaning out any more of the plaster. That area near the top where it narrows cannot be a heck of a lot wider than the knot bed. I don't want to put a hole in the side and ruin the handle.

 

[ras120]

Yeah, removing the plaster can be quite a chore. I clean it out by hand with a flat head screwdriver.

My only concern about the plaster is that it expands when it gets wet and I don't like the potential for problems. Plus, I'm a bit anal about cleaning every bit of plaster, rubber, or whatever when I restore.

 

[tomcj2]

You can buy a cheap rotary tool with bits for less than $15. Of course you get what you pay for, but if it lasts for a few restorations you are not out much. Take a look at Harbor Freight Tools as one source. I have bought lots of tools from them and have never had a problem when using them on a "homeowner" basis. You an also find 20% off coupons online to reduce the cost even more.

 

[PFP_Dad]

You can't go wrong with a TGN Finest or Super. Both are great knots, though the SGA is a bit soft for me.

 

[Ollie4ISU]

Thanks for the input gentlemen. Between that input and perusing a gazillion posts in the eye candy thread the decision was made to go with the TGN Finest. Thanks again all.

 

[wscottb7862]

If you're looking to buy a dremel..$19 and a good one at that:
http://menards.com/main/tools-hardw...ols/3-speed-rotary-tool/p-1865909-c-12869.htm

 

[theretroshave]

If you're looking to buy a dremel..$19 and a good one at that:
http://menards.com/main/tools-hardw...ols/3-speed-rotary-tool/p-1865909-c-12869.htm

Nice share. Thanks.

 

[Ollie4ISU]

Good afternoon gents. The knot from TGN came today. I ordered it Thursday night, it came today. Fantastic service. Anyhow, as it is now, it measures out at 45mm loft. I suppose it will end up at 46 with glue. Here it is next to a WD 24 at 45 and a SOC two band. I haven't glued it in yet. Any thoughts or input at this point? Lower it, raise it, set it and go?

 

[Steadfast]

That's a good-looking brush! It may sound like the loft is too high, but it's really not. It will perform fantastically.

If you want to lower it to like 42-44, that couldn't hurt either.

 

[FL shaver]

45-46 suits my eye...

 

[catherix]

If that's a 18 mm Finest, I have a bulb shaped that's set at 45 and it turned out to be a great brush. I was very impressed with its performance at the size.