Turning new Brush handle

[armysoldier1073]

IM in the Army stationed here in Korea. I have access to a wood craft shop on one of the other camps. My son graduates Basic next month from the Army and his AIT in November. I have a Black Beauty and a black and white ever ready that I'm going to re knot that i want to give him for graduation. WHat I'm wanting to do is make a shave handle for him, but don't know where to start as far as templates and such. Ive never turned anything before but want to make first one for him. Does anyone have any ideas where to start? As always thank you for your time and advice.

Gary

 

[k200817]

Hello and thank your service. I am not a wood crafter by any means but I would suggest on practicing on scrap wood before you have a go at it on the real thing. Just my .02 worth.

BTW.. That would be a great graduation gift for your son.

 

[armysoldier1073]

I plan on practice before but how do you come up with designs. I love what I do.

 

[dangre]

Gary
Don't worry about a template, just look at some designs like on the Simpson site or whatever you have been using. Don't try to duplicate one exactly to the millimeter, just turn a close copy of whatever shape you like. The fingers are marvelous tools and will adapt to any handle shape. Look at all the types out there.
A working brush blank will be 2" long and 1.5" in diameter. You can start with a piece 1.5" square, or larger, and 2.5" - 3" long. How I do it is to chuck one end up in a 4 jaw chuck and turn it round. Drill out the space for the knot with a forstner bit and turn the top end down to the hole in the shape I want. Make sure the knot fits in the way you want, as most are a bit tapered. I then turn the blank around and use finger jaws in the knot hole and live center in the tail stock to brace the rear of the blank. Mark the areas you want your coves and beads, if any. If its a straight barrel shape, you're pretty much done. Turn to the shape you want, part off the rear excess, and clean up the bottom. Sand as fine as you want and put on a finish. Many different finishes, but generally a couple of coats of spray lacquer is sufficient. Let it dry, epoxy the knot in, and smile proudly when you hand it to him. I hope this helped some.

 

[breadstick]

Every military wood hobby shop I've been to has someone that can lend a hand helping you make your brush handle. I'd go in and talk to someone to get some help.

 

[armysoldier1073]

This is why you guys are awesome. Thank you.

 

[JasonMP18]

Much of my shaving gear was a gift/purchased to celebrate a milestone in my life. Every time he uses them he will revisit the that occasion and enhance the joy of the shave. A fine gift and gesture indeed. Good luck with the brush and thank you for your service.

 

[Curious Adventurer]

I'm afraid I can't offer you anything but a couple of ideas. When you have practiced enough on scrap wood and have gained the confidence in turning a handle, you might consider embedding a medallion in the bottom of the handle. I'm having brushes made for my brother, who served in the USMC, and me. Since he is very much active in the Marine Corps League, I am having a Marine Corps League medallion embedded in the bottom of the handle and selecting exotic wood for the handle. My brush will also be exotic wood and have a US Army medallion embedded in the bottom of the handle, since I served a career in the Army. We both came on active duty about the same time and celebrate our birthdays in the same month as well as celebrate our return from Vietnam. We were always a band of brothers.

 

[armysoldier1073]

where do you get the medallions from? Ive seen them on handles on the bay but never thought you could outsource them.

 

[Curious Adventurer]

Medallions should be easy to get. Look in your PX. However, a number of on-line suppliers to the military and veterans carry medallions. Medals of America come to mind, but I've seen others. I know I've seen tie tacks, etc. that have a small Army logo. Google medals or military supply items. I wouldn't get a challenge coin because they seem to be too large in diameter. The guy who will be making my brushes wanted the diameter kept to within an inch. I imagine the trick will be routing out the cavity for it, i. e., just deeply enough to epoxy the medallion so that it is flush with the surface of the bottom of the brush. I haven't ordered my medallion yet because I am still cleaning and repairing my tackle and gear from a flyfishing trip to Alaska last week. I'll PM you when I order mine.

 

[armysoldier1073]

Looking at the medallions they are basic military branch specific. I got to thinking if you wanted to be MOS specific, the enlisted branch insignia we wear on our dress uniforms is 1". My son is a CAV Scout, His branch is Armor. I think i'll recess it in and cover with some kind of clear epoxy or resin to smooth it out flat. This is what i am talking about, http://www.usamilitarymedals.com/army-armor-enlisted-branch-insignia-p-784.html

However would love to find color of these. Im Army and i have never see them in color..... lol

 

[Curious Adventurer]

I Googled several sites, including the one you gave. The cavalry store and Medals of America were two others. They all carry lapel pins. The lapel pins I mean are for informal wear and not the branch insignia for uniforms. These are small in diameter and most are in color. I didn't see one for cavalry, but I may have missed, since I'm still awaiting for my coffee to kick in. I did see a color one for Army retired, which I may select for my brush. Why don't you email these vendors and tell them what you need and why you need it. I'm betting these vendors will look in earnest at their inventory to find your requirement. If they don't carry it, they might provide a good lead for a vendor who does. Keep at it. When you find one that meets your requirement, the brush will be all the more special.