FishingBuds Posted December 7, 2008 Report Share Posted December 7, 2008 what do you mostly do on cork handles, make'em yourself or buy them set up, if you buy them set up do you tweak them a little before applying to your rod? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MTfishingrods Posted December 7, 2008 Report Share Posted December 7, 2008 When I first started building rods I purchased them premade. Then when I purchased my rod turner I started making my own and I havnt purchased any for rods since that were going to be sold. When we do the kids rod build in the spring we were given a deal last year on premade cork handles we couldnt turn down so I did purchase them, but for a paying customer, I wouldnt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishingBuds Posted December 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 8, 2008 did you build the lathe yourself? or staright out bought one like FlexCoat's? if its hand made I would love to see a pic if it as well as anyone else's. I seen a hand made one on another site but I was wondering how he supports the mandrel on the other end, is it a rod supporter? Just seeing if thiers a btter or should I say cheaper price way to make one than the cost of Flexcoats, I still would have to buy a power drill for it so what about a SEWING MACHINE MOTOR Lathe thats 7000rpm's. how could that work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhahn427 Posted December 8, 2008 Report Share Posted December 8, 2008 I use both. I use ready made that I ream out to a very close fit and when I want a design etc I use rings ......... I turn both on a lathe and smooth with up to 2000 grit sand paper to give a nice feel. I have a Harbor Freight lathe that I turn the cork on w/sandpaper and I am waiting for a Pac Bay rodwrapper/lathe w/metal chuck to arrive to turn handles while on the rod ........... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishingBuds Posted December 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 8, 2008 It isn't by chance this one Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices I have been looking at it ans d was wondering how well it would work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhahn427 Posted December 8, 2008 Report Share Posted December 8, 2008 No I use the 8x 12 mini lathe listed below that one ........ but I got mine for $60 I think on a big sale at the store. Almost any lathe will do for turning cork in face many people use the Grizzly Hobby Lathe for turning cork http://grizzly.com/products/Hobby-Lathe/H2669 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MTfishingrods Posted December 8, 2008 Report Share Posted December 8, 2008 Mine is the pac bay wrapper that I turn mine on. Cork is soft so anything turning it relatively fast will work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattman Posted December 9, 2008 Report Share Posted December 9, 2008 I used to buy premade's. But I quickly switched to making my own. I have a full sized Delta wood lathe and I use Andy Dear's stainless mandrels. I drill my rings out on a drill press to 1/16" smaller than the smallest diameter the grip will see. That means much less reaming and perfectly centered grips. I have a bunch of rod photos available here. The albums Spinning and Casting will have some examples. Otterods - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thedude Posted December 10, 2008 Report Share Posted December 10, 2008 i do all mine on a drill press. i use a 1/4" stainless steel mandrel with shaft couplers on the base. i have a piece of wood with a bearing in it that clamps to the base of the press. Its a very cheap setup to do short grips.. 6-8" max. I do all split grips so thats not an issue. hoping santa brings me a lathe this year ...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidgrad Posted January 3, 2009 Report Share Posted January 3, 2009 Same. I started with premade handles and now I turn my own cork, EVA, and urethane foam handles. I bought the TurnCrafter Pro from PSI (Cheaper is you order throught Amazon). I didn't get the variable option or the extension and I've been just fine. Did have to buy a drill chuck and I can turn handles up to 14" long. I think I have moved the belts to adjust the speed one time. Glad I saved the $! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
