just turned my first grip

[gbflytyer]

i just finished my first custom grip for an 8wt silver salmon rod

[herefishy]

Very nice, and fun, huh? I have made mine with a rasp, but now I am working on at least finish sanding them with the drill lathe from this forum.

[JohnScott]

Pretty wild, Gary. Bet the fishies will like it too !!

Did you build / turn the grip on the blank ??

John

[gbflytyer]

yes i did but i am in the middle of building a mandrel and will do them from now on with that.

[Greg F]

Hey, nice job. What did you seal it with? Pretty fun making your own stuff, isn't it?

Greg

[gbflytyer]

u-40 cork sealer. i think this stuff works great. i use it on all of my rods

i agree i love making stuff.
gary

[ET custom flyrods]

Fun being creative aint it Gary...........congrats on turning your first grip! Now if you inhaled enough cork dust (and it sounds like you did) you have aquired the disease and are on the road of no return LOL................Ed

[lastchance]

That's very nice, Gary. I was told one time that cork seal makes the handle slippery, is that right? I've never used it.
Bruce

[ET custom flyrods]

To answer about cork seal. Cork seal applied correctly (thin) will not make the grip slippery.
One the other hand cork seal applied with many coats will. Some folks even burnish multiple coats to bring out a sheen. One note Cork seal will change the color of the cork a tad even when applied correctly with one coat. It does however also bring out the grain and make it more pronounced which can be a nice effect.

[hackleman57]

The taper look great!

Ron

I've got to add something about cork seal. Some folks say why would you buy a material because of its specific properties, and then change it (by adding a sealant). We sell tons of this stuff. I don't use it on my personal rods, but it sure makes a gift look nice!