Homemade Brush/Handle

This is a brush I completed recently.  The light orange wood is Padauk; the other is Ironwood.  Many hours of sanding and polishing.  Labor intensive but very gratifying.  The knot is a Virginia Sheng badger.

Ed, that's a beautiful handle.  Well done!  What is the finish on the wood?

Gorgeous!

That’s a handsome piece of work. Great eye! Would you mind briefly describing the shop processes you used and difficulties you encountered in building it? The more I look at it the more steps I can see. Nice nice job.

A stunning brush. Did you do it all by hand ?

Very Nice Work.

Thanks for sharing the pix.

Wow!  I'd prefer that brush to many other wood brushes that are sold as limited editions.

That is beautiful!

Very nicely done!

Superb!

Looks lovely - whats the finish on it?

First...thanks for all of the kind comments.  Concerning construction of this brush.  I glued up the Padauk and Ironwood.  Once the glue was set, I used my drill press and a forstner bit to drill out the knot hole.  I then used an oscillating spindle sander to rough out the basic shape.  After that, lots and lots of sanding to get the final shape.  I start with 100 grit and then move to 120, 150, and finally 220 grit.  Once finishing with the sanding, I the soak the handle in a jar of Watco Danish Finishing Oil for at least 24 hours.  I then wipe the handle and let it dry for a couple of days.  I then start the polishing process.  I use Renaissance Micro-Crystalline Wax Polish.  I apply the wax sparingly using small circular strokes.  I didn't count, but this handle has upward of 50 coats of wax.  I could go on and create even a better shine.  However, I am satisfied for now.  Just to let you know, woodworking is my hobby.  I used to do bookcases, end/coffee tables, entrance tables, etc.  But after three cervical spine surgeries, I can no longer do the heavy lifting.  I now do jewelry and trinket boxes.  The brush handles I do for fun.  Starting with a hunk of rough wood and turning it into a nice handle gives me great satisfaction.  Attached is a picture of a brush in progress.  I was able to source some Flame Briar in Turkey.  As you can see, it varies from to a pale brown to a dark reddish color.  I have several other brushes in progress and will post pictures when finished.  I don't know if I will ever use the brushes.  Right now I enjoy the construction and putting them on my display shelf.


I know I got kind of wordy.  However, I wanted to answer the questions on how the brush was constructed.


Thanks very much.

Beautiful

Thank you for sharing the process Ed. The idea of soaking in finishing oil is one I might try myself... and I can totally see  (and agree with) the making of items just to enjoy the process of making them.

(03-04-2019, 09:18 PM)WegianWarrior Wrote: Thank you for sharing the process Ed. The idea of soaking in finishing oil is one I might try myself... and I can totally see  (and agree with) the making of items just to enjoy the process of making them.

I received the info on soaking the handles from a lady that makes cutting boards.  It is easier since I do not have to put coat after coat of the Watco on it.  I figure that in 24 hours the wood will soak up all of the Watco it will.  That leaves the polishing.

Beautiful!

Gorgeous!

Really nice!

I'd like to see your jewelry boxes and other work too sometime.