Need help with first brush restoration

[Shave3112]

I have acquired some really cool Ever Readys and need advice about getting knot out. First off, I do not have a vice or bench press. I was hoping to hold brush in one hand and Dremel tool in other hand. Good idea or bad idea ?

Next, can you give me step by step instructions, including which Dremel attachments specifically. How do I know how deep to go ? Thank you for your help.

 

[Lakebound]

I have restored brushes without a vice or bench. It is tricky but it can be done. I would recommend that you first give the brush a haircut by cutting the bristles down very close to the handle. Then you should use a drill and a small bit to gently drill down into the knot in three places very close together in the shape of a clover (three drill holes touching one another). You need to do this to break up the old epoxy and remove the old knot and most of the epoxy.

You can do this by holding the handle in one hand and the drill in another if you are strong enough and careful enough. Go slow and easy, speed is not the key here. You are simply removing the old knot by breaking up the old epoxy. After that, I use a drill or dremel with a sanding wheel to gently clean the inside up and remove most of the epoxy from the walls of the handle. Afterward, you would measure the ID of the opening to see what size replacement knot you are looking at.

Depth is something to address later when you receive the knot and you want to establish your loft (height). And for that, it is a matter of personal preference based on what type of knot you wish to use.

Best of luck,

Frank

 

[theretroshave]

This is a good resource for the general how-to: http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=58175

 

[Snargle]

Hand-holding can be done, but you need to take a couple of precautions. First, wrap the handle with several, thick layers of masking tape to protect the handle material from accidental cut, gouges, or scrapes from your tools. Second, wear a heavy leather glove for the exact same reason. Trust me...I've got the wrecked handles and the scars to prove it!

 

[Lakebound]

Here's my latest restore (today after work). No special jigs or heavy equipment needed.



Frank

 

[JaxJim]

Some very good advice above. I'd add that a pin punch has proved to be a useful hand tool for me in removing old knots. In some vintage handles there is a void beneath the shelf upon which the plug is glued. I've found that relatively gentle tapping with the punch often will break the hardened adhesive and/or shelf, thereby permitting removal of the old knot in clumps. I've found this technique particularly effective in removing Nylon knots.

 

[Shave3112]

You guys made me nervous, just bought a bench vice and leather gloves.

 

[Lakebound]

You guys made me nervous, just bought a bench vice and leather gloves.

Smart move, good show. Now you'll be all set!

Frank

 

[Heespharm]

I use this to get the knot out... Never had any trouble

http://www.dremel.com/en-us/Accessories/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=8175

Then micro mesh for polishing and clean up and marine epoxy for bonding agent

 

[Shave3112]

maybe no emergency room ?

 

[Heespharm]

Hand-holding can be done, but you need to take a couple of precautions. First, wrap the handle with several, thick layers of masking tape to protect the handle material from accidental cut, gouges, or scrapes from your tools. Second, wear a heavy leather glove for the exact same reason. Trust me...I've got the wrecked handles and the scars to prove it!

+1 on thick tape... Using hand or power tools... You don't want to make a mistake that could take hours to clean and polish out.