rodbuilders,

i wonder if a grip and handle pattern library has been created yet?

i am looking for a template for the cigar shaped fly rod handle and any variations.

one alternative is visiting sporting goods stores and testing the grips on different fly rods, Finding one that works for me and tracing the shape on a piece of paper. however, there may be some standard lengths/diameters that can be found online in the form of templates?

thanks for any input.

marc

Marc,
This very subject is a new series in Rodmaker magazine now. Maybe Mr. Kirkman can shed some more light on this.
Hope this helps,
Noel

Yes, I'll be including a grip template in each issue from now on, probably permanently. These will all be either full size (1 to 1 scale) or for larger grips, 1/2 to 1 scale.

............

One more good reason (as if anyone needed another one!) to subscripe to Rodmaker!!!!

I scanned the template from the last issue and laminated it. The first of what I hope will be a complete set of grip templates for my workshop (beats taking the magazine down to where my lathe is).

Mike

Mike,
First of all, thanks for your idea on the cork clamp that I got from Shafer. This weekend I bought a clamp at Ace Hardware and drilled a couple of holes for the mandrel. I used it yesterday and it really speeds up gluing cork.

I think the templates are a great idea. Where was Tom twenty years ago? All the good ideas are coming around at my old age. Maybe that is the way it is supposed to be. Thanks again, Ellis

Ellis,

Same here!! I turn 65 and Now all this stuff comes along!! Makes for a great retirement though!!
I love the Cork Clamp!! I got it from an old post by Bob Balcombe

Mike



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/11/2005 05:50PM by Mike Barkley.

Why?? Get the " stock " handles, trace them on a piece of paper or cardboard, measure, then put the measurements on the drawing??
Most if not all are 1" OD. If you don't like the size, when you make your handle, make it larger or smaller. Don't seem that hard to me. But then again I swim upstream

It would also mean having to buy a huge assorted of grips. Most won't want to do that.

If someone wanted to create such a library on the web, it would only require a couple or maybe three hundred dollars per year to buy a URL, have it set up and hosted. You'd have to then come up with all the measurements, but it could certainly be done by anyone who had enough interest and was willing to front the funds and effort required.

.....

What I'm thinking is that most sites have some sort of measurements for the handles they sell. As one builds rods, each different handle that is used can be traced onto paper and the measurements put on.
Even if they are not used!!!
It all takes time
I just thought that since you have such a " work load " Tom, this would make it easyer for you???