I scored a few knots from GoldenNib and would like to get some handles made. In particular, one like DrP's lovely persian jar. Where can I find someone who turns acrylic or equivalent to your specifications?
Where to get a brush handle made?
- Thread starter Siv
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I guess I'll piggyback on this, too. I'm also interested in where I could find people to turn handles. How much does it usually run on top of materials?
Pm'ed you both.
I don't know about acrylic, but if anyone is looking for wood handles then Miguel at http://www.customk9gear.com/ does beautiful work. He's only just getting into shaving gear, but he's already produced some great looking brush handles.
I've been turning wooden handles for a while (you can see some of my other posts for details) and have been considering using acrylic for few - drop me a line if you want advice and such 
And apparently (according to my status) I'm now a 'vendor'! Not sure how that happened.... presumably that's a good thing?
Don McIvor has made 4 or 5 brushes for me. I'm anxiously awaiting the next one. www.mcivorwoodworks.com
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Thanks for the input guys. I see that I'm not alone in my desire for a Persian Jar. Don McIvor has already made some in wood based on the photo.
Let's see if I can get something like this in acrylic...
Let's see if I can get something like this in acrylic...
The guys at Superior Brushes turn handles out of Corian, the counter top stuff. It's always intrigued me.
The handle above in Tru-Stone looks great too. Mason, do you produce those?
The handle above in Tru-Stone looks great too. Mason, do you produce those?
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Thank you Danny for the plug. I've been doing a run of handles for the past 2 weeks, mostly custom orders in hardwoods and am now expanding to aluminum and brass. At any rate, here is a example of three brushes, two in black curly walnut and one in deer antler. http://www.customk9gear.com
Just wanted to see if I could come close to making a great looking brush such as Don McIvor's Persian Jar (also called a Mae West). He set the standard of excellence. I hope to try duplicating his brush in wood in the future. I might be very generous in grading my handle as a B- compared to his A+++ brush.
I may put it back on the lathe in the future to try and get some areas trimmed more like Don's.
My handle is a pearlized brass colored acrylic that does sparkle more than the picture indicates.
I may put it back on the lathe in the future to try and get some areas trimmed more like Don's.
My handle is a pearlized brass colored acrylic that does sparkle more than the picture indicates.
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- Thread starter
- #13
Mason, that is beautiful!
That looks amazing! Keep up the good work.
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I prefer the thicker base...IMO, the thinner base looks more feminine. Maybe that's why its called the "Mae West". BTW, they all look great, do you plan on selling?
I agree on all accounts. Your brush is a beaut on its own, there is no need to try to replicate the Mae West any more with what you have created. It really does look stunning. One of these days, I might be asking you to make me one.
Regards,
Chase
I was hoping to improve on the handle I made in brass colored acrylic. I had set up some Ivory Acrylic material on my lathe when I guess I dug too deep with a wood chisel. The bottom of the handle exploded off the lathe and I was glad I was wearing a full face mask. I am sure a more experienced wood turner would have avoided this mess.
This is has been a fun hobby to make handles but only when everything goes well. Anymore disasters like this and I will be listing a lathe for sale. I don't think I will ever be in the business of making handles but I sure appreciate the kind words from some of the members about some of my handles.
This is has been a fun hobby to make handles but only when everything goes well. Anymore disasters like this and I will be listing a lathe for sale. I don't think I will ever be in the business of making handles but I sure appreciate the kind words from some of the members about some of my handles.
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That can happen to anybody when turning acrylic, which is why I prefer not to work with it.
Your chisels need to be very sharp and you need to be at or above the center line at all times.
Since polymers lack grain strength like wood has in it length the slightest grab will cause it to break.
Now I turn a lot of burl wood and it often has very short swirly grain, there's nothing more discouraging then to spend a lot of time on a piece then have it blow up on you when your almost finished with it.
I have a 80 grit and a 120 grit pink wheels on my bench grinder and I'll often stop turning to resharpen my tools.
Bob:
Thanks for the good information.
I think I will stick with exotic wood for awhile. I need to get some confidence back and two failures in a row is not good. It really makes you feel like your technique is totally lacking. I do believe wood is more forgiving for a novice wood turner especially if your tools are not at maximum sharpness.
I am afraid I will have to learn how to sharpen chisels if I am to be come a competent turner.
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