Designing a Better Shop Brush (with Berea College Student Craft)

About 30 years ago I bought a small shop brush that I’ve used almost every day in the shop. It was plastic with horsehair bristles, and for the last 20 years those bristles have been slowly falling out. A few years ago Aaron Beal from Berea College Student Craft gave me a beautiful handmade brush made by student Hunter Elliott. That brush worked so much better that it got me thinking about the design of shop brushes. Eventually I decided to try designing one. This brush uses horse mane hair, which is softer and finer than the more common horse tail hair. Because the fibers are thinner, they can be packed more densely, which means the brush actually picks up fine dust better. The other fibers are Tampico, a natural plant fiber that adds durability. Each bundle of fibers is sewn into the spine and covered with a wood back that also forms the hanging loop. Berea College Student Craft Industries now makes these brushes, and the students have done an amazing job solving the many little problems involved in producing them. They’re not cheap, but they’re beautifully made and they support a great educational program where students learn real craft skills. If you’re interested, take a look at Berea College Student Craft Industries — and think about who might appreciate a really good shop brush. Maybe yourself. Hashtags #boggsbench #woodworking