Finally, I get to post the pictures I promised from the restoration I did for "Wingnut" on a 30 year old Kent brush his parents (now deceased) had given to him. This is an old keepsake and I was honored to do the restoration work for him. I have described the whole procedure already in the thread he started here:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=102323
Now, that's what I wrote and here are the promised pictures there will be two posts for all the pictures:
"I just finished the restore of the brush from Wingnut who started this thread.
I think I put a total of three hours or so in. Firstly, because this is a brush with an extreme sentimental value, and secondly I try not to screw up a job or rushing it, and the end result would a poor restore.
First I took a picture of the brush, I documented the whole procedure, and if I get the permission of the owner, I will post pictures here.
The second step was to cut off all the residual hair as close as possible to the handle. Then I used a very sharp knife (Stanley box cutter type) and cut the rest of the hairs out, and most of the old glue. This has to be done very carefully, as one slip with the knife may gauge the handle or even cut a piece off. After I had removed all of the hair, I choose a Forstner drill bit that was just a tad smaller than the opening where the knot was. Now, the real problem is to hold the handle in a vise that is exactly centered under the bit, but also hold the handle firmly so it cannot spin. I have a special rubberized, cushioned pad that will do the trick. Carefully drill out the residual glue or at least get as much out what is in the handle's hole. Then I used a mini sanding sleeve from a Dremel tool, but use it in my hand held drill - much better control. With this all the glue residue was now removed and also the inside walls of the handle hole, where the knot will be glued in, was roughed a bit up for a better glue surface.
Then came the part I feared actually the most. Using buffing wheels and buff the handle. This handle had some discoloration that occurred over the last 30 + years. I spend a long time here, using Tripoli and white diamond buffing compound. I had to go easy since I did not want to overheat this old plastic material. I was quite happy with the result. So far, I had spend some three hours. As the final step, I mixed up some 5 min epoxy and glued the knot in. The brush is drying now overnight and tomorrow it gets a final buff with wax and will be packed and shipped back to the owner. I hope he likes what he gets back."
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=102323
Now, that's what I wrote and here are the promised pictures there will be two posts for all the pictures:
"I just finished the restore of the brush from Wingnut who started this thread.
I think I put a total of three hours or so in. Firstly, because this is a brush with an extreme sentimental value, and secondly I try not to screw up a job or rushing it, and the end result would a poor restore.
First I took a picture of the brush, I documented the whole procedure, and if I get the permission of the owner, I will post pictures here.
The second step was to cut off all the residual hair as close as possible to the handle. Then I used a very sharp knife (Stanley box cutter type) and cut the rest of the hairs out, and most of the old glue. This has to be done very carefully, as one slip with the knife may gauge the handle or even cut a piece off. After I had removed all of the hair, I choose a Forstner drill bit that was just a tad smaller than the opening where the knot was. Now, the real problem is to hold the handle in a vise that is exactly centered under the bit, but also hold the handle firmly so it cannot spin. I have a special rubberized, cushioned pad that will do the trick. Carefully drill out the residual glue or at least get as much out what is in the handle's hole. Then I used a mini sanding sleeve from a Dremel tool, but use it in my hand held drill - much better control. With this all the glue residue was now removed and also the inside walls of the handle hole, where the knot will be glued in, was roughed a bit up for a better glue surface.
Then came the part I feared actually the most. Using buffing wheels and buff the handle. This handle had some discoloration that occurred over the last 30 + years. I spend a long time here, using Tripoli and white diamond buffing compound. I had to go easy since I did not want to overheat this old plastic material. I was quite happy with the result. So far, I had spend some three hours. As the final step, I mixed up some 5 min epoxy and glued the knot in. The brush is drying now overnight and tomorrow it gets a final buff with wax and will be packed and shipped back to the owner. I hope he likes what he gets back."
