CAN SOMEONE TELL ME A GOOD WAY TO SHAPE HYPALON. I HAVE A 10 OR 12 FOOT PIECE THAT I GOT FROM MERRICK . I WAS GOING TO CUT THIS INTO SMALLER SECTIONS AND USE FOR SPLIT GRIPS OR BOTTOM ROD GRIPS. THE OUTSIDE SKIN IS VERY SMOOTH. CAN I USE SCREEN OR SAND TO SHAPE THIS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.

I used sanding screen, mounted the grip on an Aluminum rod on masking tape arbors chucked in my drill

I cut my section to length, knock off the edges with a Stanley Sure Form plane or with an electric carving knife and then use sanding screen. If needed, I'll use a file or rasp before the screen. If you don't have screen, use sandpaper but clean and/or replace it regularly. I like to run extra fine paper across it for a final touch.
Ray

What is the texture / density or "hardness" of the 12' chunks? I keep looking at it and thinking about trying it but I don't like "squishy" grips.

12 FOOT lengths??????? I round the block stuff with a Stanley Sure Form file (on the larhe) and use Dry wall sanding screen (Comes in various "grits" doesn't clog up as fast as sandpaper and can be washed) and finish with 600 gritsandpaper.

Mike

I think you guys who have square "blocks" are actually talking about EVA not hypalon. To my knowledge, raw hypalon only comes in round sections, 12' long (looks like the black foam you covers hot water heater lines with) - we sell it at:
[shop.mudhole.com]

Yes Ken it is squishy - I would say more so than normal hypalon. It is our understanding that you can increase the hardness by heating it (as in the oven) but the exact temp and time are trade secretes by the mfg's. So I think it is safe to say raw hypalon it is more squishy than shaped hypalon.

Raw hypalon is good for customers who need a grip that is not available in the pre-shaped form (normally they need long grips). I would not recommend it if you can find a pre-shaped grip that works or can be modified to work because you really do not save any $$ with it on a per foot basis.

Regards,
Tom McNamara
Mud Hole Custom Tackle
[www.mudhole.com]