A while ago Mike Barkley posted an image of the hand clamp he uses to bond cork rings. I shared my version of this idea with Mike, and he suggested that I share with the rest of the group.

Two images have been posted to the photo section.

Mike, thanks for your original idea and posting.

Jeff Shafer

Great idea, guys. Thanks for sharing.

That looks like a great idea... I can't tell you how many times I've stood there looking at the "clamp section" of the hardware store trying to figure out a way to make them work for cork rings.

One question... instead of pulling the mandrel out and then putting it back in for turning, why not bore another hole in the opposite clamp and just keep the mandrel in place the whole time? Would that work?

Thanks for sharing,

Erik

Erik,

Jeff pulls the mandrel out to avoid glueing the grip to the mandrel. I haven't tried that yet but makes sense. I think???that he has a hole on both ends, but I'm not sure, His version looks a little more professional than mine.

Here is a picture of mine
[www.fishingphotos.net]

Mike

The opposite end of my hand clamp has a shallow hole, just deep enough to keep that end of the mandrel in position. I didn't drill all of the way through because the supporting structure on that end wouldn't allow it. Doesn't matter though, as I only need to pull the mandrel out in one direction.

As noted with my photo, pulling the mandrel can be risky. Adding too much pressure after the mandrel is out can cause the rings to slide, or buckle, and the holes can become mis-aligned. I may look into a way to brace the sides of the bonded rings so that doesn't happen.

Perhaps someone can comment on just how much pressure is actually needed to bond cork.

As always, practice any technique before risking materials or a good rod.

Jeff Shafer

Mike Barkley Wrote:
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> Jeff pulls the mandrel out to avoid glueing the
> grip to the mandrel. I haven't tried that yet but
> makes sense.

I've used a 22" wolfcraft clamp for a while now and I did drill a hole
through both sides.

I leave the mandrel in but I've used parafin on the manderl and have not had any problems with glueing the cork to the mandrel. I don't see this as a problem as I need to ream the hole afterwards to fit the blank.