Turn cork / Build a home made lathe

[ET custom flyrods]

I read all the discussions about making a custom grip, and how to turn cork.
So I figured I'd let go another tid bit.

Here's an easy and cheap way to turn your cork grips
A few boards cut to length, a few screws, a 4 1/2" hose clamp, and an electric drill.

Beats the h-ll out of trying to do it by hand. Have fun and create some dust!!!!

[Joe Valencic]

Nice job. What are the light green rings made from? Are they dyed cork or another material? You can add white rings by taking those credit cards that come in the mail, drill a 1/4" home in a square and glue them in between cork rings. I take them down to size on low speed with the lathe and a coarse file to get them near the size of the cork rings. Makes an interesting look.

Joe

[waynep]

Wow I have the lumber . . . I think I'll give this a shot! I am going to order my blank tomorrow!

-wayne

[Chad]

And with a slight modification it makes a great rod drying tool (providing it has low speed control)

[ET custom flyrods]

To answer the question about the green lines in-between the cork?

That material is "Craft Foam". (purchased at any wally world or craft store). Craft Foam comes in sheets and in a wide variety of colors. Neat stuff for making colored trim bands.

[brhoff]

Have you "tested" the craft foam inserts?

The craft foam I use to tie flys with tends to start to degrade after a some time in the water.

Maybe you seal the handles?

[brhoff]

If you PM an address, I'll just send you some to play with.

I used to import it from Ecuador and I have quite a few slices left over.

The material glues up well and is best worked with abrasives, files and sand paper.

If you burnish it at higher speeds it will turn golden to dark brown hues.

Also, if polished it is great for scrimshaw...basically it is almost indistinguishable from ivory, unless your an expert.