Handle blank size

[moose49017]

I'm going to have a go at making my own shaving brush.
I picked up a 26mm SHD Two Band Badger, Fan Knot from Maggards.
I'm going to cut a few pieces of burl and send them to a friend to stabilize with Cactus juice.
Just wanted an idea of how big to make the blanks?
2"x3" seems a bit big.
Suggestions?

 

[Lightcs1776]

I measured a couple of my brushes and found that 2 1/2 x 1 3/4 seems to be the average. A 2x3 blank should give you a good starting point.

 

[stone and strop]

I agree, 2x2x 3" long gives many options and is the size I prefer.

 

[GAW9576]

@stone and strop is right on.

It's better to have a bit of extra material in case you run into things like the knot cup being drilled off center or you run into chipping issues when getting started. Also you have to consider how you will be holding the blank.

 

[ajkel64]

Don’t forget the before and after pictures please.

 

[carluchi]

I agree on a 2" diameter blank, but I would suggest 4" long to account for things mentioned above but also, to make sure you can get at bottom of the handle without contorting your chisel.

It does mean some extra left over but unless this is an expensive wood, it's worth having that little bit of extra even if you are gonna scrap it (or use it for something else).

 

[moose49017]

This is what I sent him. 4 burl, 2 curly maple and a chunk of an old Texas Osage fence post.
Now I'm just waiting for them to come back.

 

[moose49017]

Here's the blanks after cleaning up.

 

[moose49017]

I went over to a buddies house yesterday and turned my first brush handle. I set a 26mm shd knot from Maggards at the recommended 50mm loft.
So far I am pleased.

 

[carluchi]

Wow! very nice work. The burl looks stunning!

 

[Lightcs1776]

Great work! They really came out nice.

 

[Big Jim]

Beautiful brush. I sense that the hook of addiction has been set deep, very deep.

 

[FarmerTan]

Beautiful brush. I sense that the hook of addiction has been set deep, very deep.

I have a feeling that you are correct my friend.

Beautiful work, @moose49017 !

 

[oscar11]

Very nice!