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Makeup Brush Handles

TJ Hamilton

TJ Hamilton

Joined
Jul 27, 2007
Messages
61
Likes
2
Location
Douglasville, GA
Hi All:

I've got a six pack of makeup brush heads that need handles by Christmas. Any tips or techniques out there that you can share with me.

Thanks, Tom
 
Practice first.....

Tom:

(You got me all excited when I read "six pack"....)

I've done a few similar kinds of projects that needed handles made (i.e. ice cream scoop, pizza cutter, magnifying glass), and I think the best tip I could offer is to practice turning the part of the handle that mates with the brush a few times with scrap wood to get the size and shape correct so the fit looks good. Once you feel OK with how this will work, shaping the rest of the handle is easy. Save your best blanks for the handles so you know they will look good; use scrap wood for making sure you've got all the techniques worked-out before you use your best blanks. I assume a gloss finish would really catch the eye of the ladies using them (....another assumption is that it will be ladies using the make-up brushes). 😉

Above all, have fun making these!

Rob
 
The brushes I have turned used glued into a hole drilled in the handle.
I assume you brushes go into a hole.

I drilled this first then mounted the handle for turning. I used a mini spur drive in the hole. this was sort of backwards as it put the thin part on the drive side.

I now have inserts for my Oneway live center made by Bruce Campbell.
http://www.artisansworkbench.com/Product info/Extension Points/extension_points.htm

Using Bruce's small point would be the best way to mount and turn turn brush handles. The insert would center in the drilled hole. the thin part of the handle would be at the tail stock and the meat of the handle. You cab turn and finish all around the hole.

You can also drive the handle by making a mandrel that has a pin the size of the hole. you can make a wooden Morse taper or turn a piece of wood in a 4 jaw chuck. the idea is to have a tenon the diameter of the drilled hole to fit the snugly then drive it with pressure from the tail stock. I usually turn this from wood. you can also make a one with a metal pin. one simple way is to run a twist drill bit of the proper size into the wood held in your chuck leaving a 1/2 inch or so exposed to drive the wood.

have fun
Al
 
Last edited:
Lots of "helpin' out" going on here, thank you very much.


Now the ball is in my court to produce! I'm on it.

Progress report and photos to follow.

Best regards,

Tom, in Douglasville, preparing to try something new.
 
One more thought

I have just finished going through the process of making wood handles for my wife and others, crochet needles. I would find a few handles that a person who uses a makeup brush and see which ones they like best and incorporate this into your handles. I had to throw out a few of "my" designs because they didn't "feel" right. They were really cool though! In the end I listened and made the handles they way my wife wanted them, except for the decorative grooves, hey I have to have some input! I have given and sold a bunch now and they are liked and more importantly, used. Give em what they want.
Bill
 
DOCworks said:
I have just finished going through the process of making wood handles for my wife and others, crochet needles. I would find a few handles that a person who uses a makeup brush and see which ones they like best and incorporate this into your handles. I had to throw out a few of "my" designs because they didn't "feel" right. They were really cool though! In the end I listened and made the handles they way my wife wanted them, except for the decorative grooves, hey I have to have some input! I have given and sold a bunch now and they are liked and more importantly, used. Give em what they want.
Bill
Click to expand...

Do you have any pics??? Some friends crochet and I'd like some ideas, Gretch
 
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