Reknottin - In Process

[MaxP]

I've been intrigued by the reknotted brushes that occasionally show up on the BST forum.

In my box of goodies, I found an EverReady vintage brush that looked like a candidate for a re-knot job. So, why not (knot)?

Here's a before and during. Removing the old knot wasn't very difficult. I hacked off the bristles with a utility knife, then drill the remainder of the knot with a Forstener bit in the drill press. From there, the remaining portin of the know was easy to pick out.

Getting the old black rubber that it was set in took a while longer. Pickin with a chisel, grinding with a Dremel did the job.

Now, its wait time. I ordered a 22mm SilverTip knot from Golden Nib. When it arrives and I've epoxied it in place I'll post a photo of the finished brush.

 

[Cmaster03]

Nice photos of the in-process brush restoration magic.

Keep us posted.

 

[mdunn]

cool - brush restos are awesome

 

[Deftim13]

Very nice. Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

 

[donkennison]

Very nice, I am making a resto attempt on an an Erskine clear handle bottom with solid white body. I hope to see your finished product, best of luck with it.

 

[Mr. Scruffy]

How did you know which knot size to order?

OK that seems like a dumb question, but should the knot size = hole size? I would think you would leave a little room for the epoxy to flow around the knot.

Therefore, should knot size = hole size minus 1? minus 2?...

Or does knot size = hole size?

 

[SpartanFan]

Can't wait to see it with the new knot. I love the Red/Cream combination. Best of luck.

 

[MaxP]

How did you know which knot size to order?

OK that seems like a dumb question, but should the knot size = hole size? I would think you would leave a little room for the epoxy to flow around the knot.

Therefore, should knot size = hole size minus 1? minus 2?...

Or does knot size = hole size?

I thought about this. The answer for me is "I don't know."

I recall reading in some thread that knots typically are undersize. I hope that's true. In this case, if the knot I ordered won't fit, because of the handle's construction, I can enlarge the hole slightly.

If that doesn't work or looks like it won't work, then I expect to order a smaller one and keep the 22 for a later reno!

 

[moshulu]

For what it's worth: I just measured (with calipers) the two 18mm knots that arrived from Golden Nib. Both measure 17.0mm. I'm quite happy with the quality and service from GN, by the way.

 

[thunderball]

Looks good mate. Can't wait to see the finished product!

 

[Hughies_online]

Me too. I have a knot needing replacement. Can't wait to see how it goes.

 

[WestTNbum]

You will love the brush when you are done. I just finished doing a restore on my el cheapo b rush that I got at my local grocery store several years ago. I got the bristle hair boar brush, I just love it now. It makes lather great and I love the feel of the bristles on my face. The Golden NIB is a great company, I ordered my knot on Wednesday morning and they shipped it the same afternoon. I got my knot on Friday of the same week, great customer service.

 

[MaxP]

The knot shipped yesterday. I'm expecting it tomorrow or Thursday.
So, before the weekend is over, I expect to have completion and pix posted.

 

[MaxP]

Ok, the reknotting is done. Here's some photos and some of the things I learned.

First, I had to drill the "floor' of the brush to get the knot at the height that i wanted (50mm).

This image shows the sides that I filled with Fimo so there wouldn't be need so a large amount of epoxy.

Here's the knot tied so that it was manageable.

And, THIS, is the finished product:

Several comments:

I polished the handle using red rouge and a cotton buff. The red rouge filled in a crack in the handle that I didn't know was there. It shows. I sure know now that its there.

I set the brush height at 50mm. After using it just once, I think I should have set it at 45 to 48 mm. It's a little on the floppy side.



The knot, a 22mm Silvertip Badger Grade A, from the Golden Nib is no Rooney or Shavemac, but for $22 it's actually pretty decent. No hairs lost yet.

So, that's it for my first attempt at re-knotting a brush. Because I like vintage handle, I'm sure that I'll do another one soon.

 

[SpartanFan]

Great work. Thanks for sharing your project with us. I can't get enough of seeing old brushes coming back to life.

 

[Subcutaneous]

really does look like one classy brush

 

[Bit2]

What Glue or epoxy did you use to secure the hair/knob to the handle?
I just picked up a handle to do pretty much the same kind or restore but my Ever-Ready is all wood.
Anyways, what waterproof adhesive would you recommend.

John

 

[MaxP]

John-

I used Devcon Plastic Welder in cream color. Its a two-part epoxy. All expoxies (to my knowledge) are 100% waterproof.

I have also purchased some clear two-part epoxy from a hobby shop that I will use on the next restoration.

The tricky part is guessing how much epoxy to use. Too much and it will ooze out. Too little and you run the risk of the knot being inadequately atttached.

Good luck.

 

[cooncatbob]

John-

I used Devcon Plastic Welder in cream color. Its a two-part epoxy. All expoxies (to my knowledge) are 100% waterproof.

I have also purchased some clear two-part epoxy from a hobby shop that I will use on the next restoration.

The tricky part is guessing how much epoxy to use. Too much and it will ooze out. Too little and you run the risk of the knot being inadequately atttached.

Good luck.

I use clear epoxy and wrap the base of the hair with masking tape.
Nothing worse then going through all the work and have colored epoxy squeeze out stuck in the hair at the base of the brush.

 

[valmara1971]

That's a great job you have done shame about the rouge highlighting the crack but I guess live and learn eh? Your next one will be perfect I'm sure. I'm restoring my first brush but because it's not a classic no one cares enough to comment.