I have had a lot of questions recently about the shimming of handles when placing knots. Here is a block diagram showing the order of shimming and knot placement timing. Yes, they do look like little Bart Simpsons.
If the hole is the right depth for the knot loft and I want weight I'll countersink a hole and epoxy in a couple of lead seals. They're about the size of an aspirin.
Absolutely. That allows for the loft to be kept low. I try to explain to people that when you shim, the loft will be higher. So if you want to have that short loft and weight, there must be another available space for heavier materials in the handle below the shelf.
I thought the same thing. When I scrolled down the page and saw your post I lol'd hard. Great minds think alike and all that. Great job, Gary. Is there any chance you'll sacrifice a disappointing brush and do some cut-away photos?
These are lead seals. But for something a little easier to find locally... They are commonly known as "lead sinkers" and can be found in the fishing stuff aisle in the sporting goods section of Wal*Mart. They come in various sizes.
