Intro to Brush-Making

In this class, participants will learn how to make a functional tampico hand brush from start to finish. You will leave the workshop with at least one completed brush, and hopefully, the ability to make more.

The workshop will begin with a discussion about the uses and applications
of brushes, the sweeping fiber (tampico) and the handle stock (locally sourced
hardwoods).

After an introduction and orientation to the power tools (band saw and various
power sanders), we will select our handle stock and lay out our handle
shape, as well as our bristle holes to be drilled.

To discuss handle design, we will reference books, samples, and templates and then create our own unique forms. After lunch, you will have the option to oil your handle stock, and while it dries, we will assemble our tampico bristles using the bristle jig.

With the handle dry and our assembled bundles of tampico ready, we will
glue them into the drilled holes in our handle, completing the brush.