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Question on Ratan Grips
I am currently making a ratan grip and I have a couple questions.
First, I am using cork for the under-grip. Is this acceptable, or should I use a light weight wood?
Second, I understand that you wrap thread between the turns of the ratan after the under-grip has been wrapped. Is red thread the standard color used, or does it usually match the thread used for the wraps? Also, what size of thread do you use on the grip?
TIA
Brad
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Cork or wood is fine, people use both. Red was traditional,but you can use whatever color you want .I like matching thread when it contrasts the rattan. If it blends to much,I'd go w/ brown or black.Whatever looks good to you.
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2nd on what Mike said. Red was traditional, but I use thread to compliment the rod or the same color as the wrappings.
For your grip use cork. Use the cheapest you can find.
Wood was traditional. Glue your rattan down with Tite Bond II. Spot your thread with Zap a gap in different places and give the grip a few good coats of spar varnish, Tru Oil, or what ever you're using as thread epoxy. Sand between coats, tack rag it off and coat again if you use spar. Go to ACE Hardware and get a pint. It'll last a long time.
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it is your special rod so play with it. You might find a color different from the norm that really pleases you.
"aka gardenfish"