I would like to start using "Rubberized" cork rings for butt caps. I know that on various handle "kits" (specifically St Croix kits) they include a rubberized cork "plug to fill the hole after reaming and shaping on the lathe. The rings I have, do not have a hole bored in them.

My problem......how do I either:

1.) cut a plug myself

2.) find someone that sells "rubberized cork plugs"

3.) figure out a way to shape and epoxy the ring to the end of the handle, after the handle is on the rod without drilling a hole in the ring
So far the only thing I have done is to remove enough matarial from the end of the ring to epoxy a coin that sits slightly below the surface. That seems fine so far, but I am afraid that the coins will eventually come loose.

I'd rather just plug the hole.

Any and all suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve Swadinsky

Steve,
I carry the cork plugs you are looking for, if you are interested send me an e-mail and I will give you the details.
Karen Hapka
Bingham Enterprises

Steve,

Often the rubberized cork 'plugs' are tapered to fit into a tapered hole. They need not be, and you can buy 'plug cutters' at many hardware stores or tool suppliers to make your own plugs.

I don't use these plugs at all and use only solid rubberized cork rings. Here's what I do to make a rubberized cork butt cap. This will not work with a one piece blank unless you have a lathe that has a through chuck.

I assume you are turning your grips on a mandrel but it doesn't matter if you turn on the blank. First turn your grip and install on the blank such that the butt of the blank is even with the butt of the grip or if turning on the blank, build your grip such that the last ring is even with the butt of the blank and turn away. Once the grip is to your liking install the rubber cork ring onto the butt of the grip with epoxy. Reverse the blank such that the tip end is in the chuck (or on a mandrel) and support the rod well out to the grip. It then takes seconds to sand down the rubber cork to the desired shape.

If you are using a multi-piece blank the butt section will be longer than the rest by the thickness of the rubber cork ring. If you don't like this then trim the butt of the blank by the thickness of the ring before you install the grip. Also, you can cut the rubber cork ring on the lathe to just about any thinckness you want with an exacto type blade.

Andy Snedden

Steve If I understand what your trying to do, You might try this.I use custom grip II (without hole bored in Middle)that I purchased through Clemens. It come 2”x2”x17” .I use a table saw to cut off a piece about 1", then use a drill press to drill a hole in the center 3/4"deep so that you dont drill all the way through, You will want to use a drill bit that is
the same diameter as the butt end of your rod. At this point I then draw a circle about 1.25" and use my scroll saw to cut out the circle. then use epoxy or U-40 Rod bond to attach to rod, If your turning your own handles you can put it on at the same time if not just remember to leave 3/4”of blank for the butt cap.let sit over night, The next day I put the rod in my lath ( which is nothing more than drill put in a home made stand with some V blocks to support rod) then use sandpaper to sand down to match handle. You can make these any length you want, and the custom grip comes in different colors

Hope this can Help Gordon Glover