Hey Rodmakers,
I just wanted to let all of you know that the new Burnt Exotic Burl is now available for sale. In the words of Tom Kirkman

"I got in some of Andy Dear's Exotic Cork yesterday and the dark pattern is the closest thing I've seen to the original "burnt cork" in the past 20 years. In fact, its distinct odor is a dead give-away that it's pretty much made with the same process. The only difference is that it's perhaps just a shade darker than the original type. But, I don't think you'll find anything else that comes this close. And, this cork appears to be a bit tougher than the original burnt cork was.
If you've been looking for real "burnt cork," this is it."

You can view pics of the new Burnt pattern at:


[www.lamarreelseats.com]

Please excuse the poor quality pic....I'll have some better ones coming soon!

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments!

Andy Dear
Lamar Manf.
210-696-6852
aldear@lamarreelseats.com

Ooops...please ignore the above phone #. Please use 210-865-3256 as I am more available at that number.

Thanks!

Andy

Andy,

The page is coming up but no pix appear



Hank
On The Rocks Fishing
Wells, ME.

Andy,

Your pix are not displaying!!!! Quit teasing!!

Mike

I went to Andy's website, there is one picture there of a grip made with these. I'm sure this is the pic he's talking of. It is indeed beautiful, this new exotic burl!!

Putter

Putter,

Go to the picture and hit Refresh and the page will show holdesr where 2 pix should be. One is the older Exotic and the other should be the brand new one. I think what you are seeing is a cached page stored in your browser.



Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/05/2005 10:49PM by Mike Barkley.

I hadn't been to Andy's website until yesterday, beerman, errr, Mike.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/05/2005 10:54PM by Randy Parpart (Putter).

That's the page you saw, probably! Unless you change the settings, your browser will usually saves (caches) pages that you vist and loads them when you view the site again

I can view both pictures with internet explorer but not with netscape.
Noel

Andy has it fixed now. You should all be able to check out the new stuff.
Noel

Pretty wild stuff!!! Bring plenty to Charlotte!!

Mike

I still have some of the original burnt cork and from the pictures it appears that what Andy hasis very simular.

It's slightly darker and if you look close you can see the larger "chunks" of material in it. But the odor instantly told me that the color must be obtained by the same process as the old burnt cork. In thin trim pieces, I don't think you could really tell the difference, though. It's the closest thing I've seen to the original burnt cork and it may just be better.

It also finishes harder and smoother than most cork, which can be a good thing.


..........

Yep, it looks just like the old stuff. Sharp!!

I got a bunch two days ago...I was wondering about that smell.

Andy would you offer a glued and turned version to us builders who use preformed cork handles. Nine and ten inchers with 1 1/16 OD x 1/2 ID would be the ticket. I do not think your price would be prohibitive to some of us who are paying a small fortune for AAAA Cork. Is the burl workable on the exterior with hand sanding for final finish?

Gon Fishn

I've always liked cork but got away from it on surf rods because it was too hard to find larger rings and the cost became prohibitive. It also didn't hold up well under hard use.

If this newer stuff could be had in 1&1/2" rings and has a little tougher surface that regular cork, I'd be interested.

Mike,
1 1/2" rings are no problem at all....a bit more expensive, but certainly not a problem. To add more durability to the product simply put a coat of Cork Seal or Urethane or Tru-Oil....the product is already quite durable, but a topcoat adds a lot more durability.

Bill...let me think on that one!

Andy