I'm going to attempt to do a brush build along. Remember, I do not consider myself anything more than a hobbyist and a DIY type person. The product I'm using is inlace acrylester. I have no idea how it's going to be over the long haul as far as durability. It comes in a wide range of colors and the blanks are 1.5 x 1.5 x 6 inches. I would consider a face shield as must for turning this stuff. Please take all safety precautions. Now, if I can figure out how to resize the photos, I'll start soon.
Step 2. I like my handles around 60 mm so I cut the blank to 64 mm. It will allow me to to square up the blank ends and maintain my length. I then find the center of the turning square and mark it.
Would you happen to know a good site to get a good but cheap wood lathe? If there is such a combo lol ...im really wanting to get into turning wood but not sure how it will go so im not looking to spend too much on a "practice" lathe
The next step is drilling the blank as close to center as possible. I'll mention that I'm using a TGN finest fan with a 22mm knot. My plan is to have a loft of 50 mm so I'll drill accordingly. Remember, I plan on squaring the ends so I'll lose a couple of mm. I just try to get as close as possible to the loft I want.
One thing to note is the knot size (22mm). Notice the swelling of the hair right above the plug. You will have to take this into account when you select your drill size.
Harbor freight, 5 speed bench top, on sale $199, set of tools $20, and that is WAY better than my setup. Have fun. Sorry for interrupting.
The hole is drilled to the approximate depth. Notice there is another bit chucked in the drill press. I'm going to drill a pilot hole to tap the handle.
O.K., we're heading to the lathe. Tools used, bottom to top. Roughing gouge, fingernail gouge, parting tool and skew. Roughing rouge is used to round the turning stock, fingernail gouge for detailing and shaping, parting tool for squaring the ends, skew for beading and finish cutting.
A couple of things, if you look at the upper photo closely (post 14) , you'll notice a drip on the mandrel. It's liquid hand soap, it's used for lube to help remove the brush handle. They can get really tight sometimes. You'll notice the speed setting, it's fast. Safety is paramount. Light cuts and high speed will almost eliminate chipping, you still have to make good cuts. Remember safety first.
Using the fingernail gouge and shaping the handle. Honestly, I usually don't start with any preconceived idea of what I'm trying to make. I just end up there and usually don't like it.
Shape starting to take place. I usually square up both ends as soon as the turning stock is round. Use particular caution squaring on the knot end (left) if you get to aggressive it will chip.
