[restore] Got the knot out of old brush but how to remove the epoxy???

[nav]

Okay, so ive got a nice tortoise handle, took the old boar knot out and it leaves me with only 10mm of depth in the handle due to the rock hard epoxy left over.

The knot I have on the way is (20mm knot) 64mm so it will be a 54mm loft brush but I want 45-48mm loft as I face lather with soaps.

How do I soften the epoxy enough to make the handle deeper???

 

[Sueto]

once epoxy is set, there isnt going to be any softening that can be done. If you have a Dremel tool or access to a drill press that might be the easiest way. Not sure what kind of access to tools you might have.

I am not as experienced as some others that have been doing this awhile, but that is what worked for me. You might even be more lucky and find metric forstner bits.

 

[nav]

once epoxy is set, there isnt going to be any softening that can be done. If you have a Dremel tool or access to a drill press that might be the easiest way. Not sure what kind of access to tools you might have.

I am not as experienced as some others that have been doing this awhile, but that is what worked for me. You might even be more lucky and find metric forstner bits.

Unfortunately I don't have a drill of any kind. I may ask gf's mum if she has one (she is quite handy with DIY renovations).

If I do drill it out:
1- what precautions do I have to take not to damage the handle? and
2- what do I place inside the handle so that I can get the desired 18mm depth?

The other thing I thought is to get those rings to place as the top of the handle to get the desired loft, do these work well? (they don't look nice so are not a preference unless im really stuck)

 

[Luc]

Funny, I did some epoxy work today on some scales... (Pictures to come later)...

The epoxy pacakge was saying to use the sponge to make a better finish and then a dremel or sandpaper to even everything.

In my case, sandpaper will be easy to use. In yours, I think you need a dremel, I don't think you will be able to sand epoxy very well...

 

[Rudy Vey]

You need to drill out the old glue. Best way is to hold the handle in a drill vise (make sure it is well padded) and drill out the old glue. The best drill bit is a forstner type bit.

 

[honed]

Be very careful when drilling and especially sanding epoxy. It's nasty stuff. Real nasty. Do not breathe it in! I'm serious.

Sounds like drilling is the answer here.

Cured expoxy is HARD and stubborn.

But, a simple 50/50 mix of alcohol and paint thinner will dissolve it, if given sufficient time. Maybe a too big of a risk of damaging the handle? So drilling might be the best here after all.

 

[SHarris]

DONT be tempted to hold the handle whilst drilling the resin out. Protect the handle and clamp it up securely.

 

[bradyarz]

to know exactly how deep you are drilling, measure 18mm up the bit and put some masking tape around it at that point. drill down to the tape and bingo!

 

[Mr. Scruffy]

You need to drill out the old glue. Best way is to hold the handle in a drill vise (make sure it is well padded) and drill out the old glue. The best drill bit is a forstner type bit.

+1

I use a standard hand held electric drill with 3/8" to 1/2" wood bits, depending on the hole size in the handle. If you have a variable speed drill be sure to use the highest speed setting. The bit will "bite" into and bind in the old epoxy at slow speeds.

I wrap the handle in painter's tape or masking tape and then wrap it in an old piece of cloth to get a roughly 1" cushion all around the handle before placing it in my vise.

Marking your bit at the desired depth before drilling is a good idea also.