I have purchased a resin brush which has had the synthetic knot fall out. I want to replace the synth with a badger knot. The old knot was 23.5mm at the plug, while the bore of the handle is 27.5mm. This means there is a band of epoxy resin left in the handle (see photo). I've tried to prise it out, but it's very hard. I presume the best method might be to use a Dremel type tool to grind it out carefully?
Removing epoxy from handle?
- Thread starter bernie01
- Start date
I have purchased a resin brush which has had the synthetic knot fall out. I want to replace the synth with a badger knot. The old knot was 23.5mm at the plug, while the bore of the handle is 27.5mm. This means there is a band of epoxy resin left in the handle (see photo). I've tried to prise it out, but it's very hard. I presume the best method might be to use a Dremel type tool to grind it out carefully?
Nice handle Bernie. I think the use of the Dremel type device would be the go. If you don’t have one maybe your nearest Mens Shed might have one that you could use or maybe you could hire one from a tool hire place. I don’t know how much they cost to buy but if you buy one then you will have it for future use.
The right tool for the job would be the correct sized Forstner bit in a drill press. Failing that a sanding drum on a Dremel and a steady hand would get the job done.
I use a Dremel 115 cutting bit and a steady hand for those kinds of tasks.
If I ever attempt anything like this again I'm going to invest in the proper sized forstner bit in a drill press. I've chipped the edge of more than one handle with my dremel. I try to go slow but the bit skips around so easily.
I chipped a handle using a Fostner bit, fortunately it was salvageable. A drum sander works well. I use a Dremel type tool purchased from Harbor Freight. You might prefer a real Dremel.
Fostner bits work great when drilling a hole in a handle you are making, but can be problematic for cleaning or enlarging a hole.
Fostner bits work great when drilling a hole in a handle you are making, but can be problematic for cleaning or enlarging a hole.
- Thread starter
- #7
@BigJim Yes, I agree. I have a 'Dremel like' tool (made in China) that has small cylindrical abrasive bits about 12mm (half inch) or so in diameter. The shaft of the bit is long enough that the grinding surface will be inside the handle, well away from the edge of the handle.
I think I will tape around the rim of the hole (just in case), fix the handle in a vise or clamp (well padded of course) and slowly grind away the epoxy, maybe I'll need to rotate the handle 90 degrees or so a few times.
Thanks to all for the input; much appreciated!
I think I will tape around the rim of the hole (just in case), fix the handle in a vise or clamp (well padded of course) and slowly grind away the epoxy, maybe I'll need to rotate the handle 90 degrees or so a few times.
Thanks to all for the input; much appreciated!
- Thread starter
- #8
A metal lathe is the answer - then you can make your own handles, as well as bore the epoxy out of old handles.
Dremel type tool with sanding disc. Be sure to wear a mask for the dust created.
