Cork Grip Building

Making cork grips is an enjoyable part of rod making. For my own rods and the cork grips the students make in the classes I again have found an unconventional material that works very well for grips. I am using several types of cork including  cork that comes in rolls and is used as underlayment for wood floors. The advantage to this material is the fine cork particles are bonded together and are very uniform in texture. Unlike the traditional cork rings normally used the composite cork is free of voids
 or defects in the cork that would need a wood type filler The cork forms very well and after shaping I use a heat gun and paraffin wax to melt the wax into the cork grip filling all hairline voids. This technique makes a comfortable grip and is easily freshened up as the grip wears.
 I am also trying dyed cork sold in 12" square tiles sold in office and craft stores. This cork has more voids but when filled makes beautiful dark grips.

The makeshift lathe I made uses a speed drill and works well for making both my cork grips and reel seats.

Please note, The information provided on this page is only a basic representation of the subject. My plan for this blog is to expand on each topic by presenting new rods being built, trial and error expeirments with bamboo, composite materials, tools and techniques.