How To Make a Wire Brush Last Longer

How to make your small wire brush last longer – only use this method on wire brushes up to 23 mm in diameter.  Not suitable for larger brushes.

(You’ve only got two eyes. Always use a pair of suitable safety glasses that can withstand high impact when working with woodcarving tools. If you are not sure which one to buy ask your local hardware store. They are cheap, can fit over ordinary glasses, and can even make you look clever. And read the safety instructions and tips at the end.)  

In the process of working with deadwood or creating new deadwood on bonsai we often finish of the carving work with small wire brushes that fit in Dremel or similar tools. 

These wire brushes are expensive and do not last long before the bristles start to bend and the wire brush doesn’t remove wood anymore. You can find wire brushes here.

The following method can be used so that the brush will last up to 10 times longer than a normal wire brush. It can be used on brass as well as steel brushes.

You will need:

• Quick set clear epoxy – You will find that it’s two tubes which contents you need to mix together.
• A wire brush – you can choose brass or steel.  We’ve found that the small steel brushes works better.
• Something to mix the epoxy on
• A spatula to apply the epoxy – wooden or plastic stick
• Piece of adhesive putty

Method

Squeeze out of the tube with the white cap a bead of epoxy onto the board where you will mix it. Take the tube with the red lid and squeeze an equal quantity onto the board next to the bead from the white tube. Make sure that you replace the right cap on the tube.

Mix the epoxy thoroughly according to the instructions with the spatula

Use the spatula to push the epoxy in between the bristles. Apply to front and the back of the wire brush, applying it evenly.

Remove any access epoxy from the wire brush.  Do not let it forms drops on one side, smooth them out with the spatula – drops will make the brush unbalanced, causing excessive vibration that can damage your tools when using the brush. 

When you find that a brush vibrates excessively discard of it.  The vibration can cause the brush to break apart or come loose from the tool and it can cause serious harm.

Place the shaft of the wire brush into some adhesive putty or push into some polystyrene, and leave it to dry.

Please note the following

This article is a description of how we make our wire brushes last longer. We cannot take responsibility of any harm or damage resulting from this method. You are doing it at your own risk and using the tools at your own risk. Electric tools are dangerous and should be used with the necessary care. If you do not know how to use these tools ask for professional help.

Do not use the brush at excessive speed. Keep the speed low and stop and discard the wire brush as soon as you experience any excessive vibration.

This particular Pratley epoxy mix easily, is quick setting, and clear.

Its will start to gel within 4 minutes from mixing.

Should be applied within 3 minutes from mixing

It will set within 14 minutes

It will reach 70 % of its strength within 30 minutes but takes 24 hours to reach full strength – so wait for 24 hours before you use it

Make sure your wire brush is clean and dry before use.

Do not let it forms drops on one side, smooth them out with the spatula – drops will make the brush unbalanced, causing excessive vibration that can damage your tools when using the brush. 

When you find that a brush vibrates excessively discard of it.  The vibration can cause the brush to break apart or come loose from the tool and it can cause serious harm.

This brush will give the same results as a normal steel wire brush but will last much longer.