I normally have purchased premade handles but thought I might try turning one for my most recent rod. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience and found that the shape and texture turned out exceptionally well. However, I am concerned about the color of the cork rings. They started out fairly uniform in color, but after my lathe work, the individual rings can still be seen because of a noticable color variation between rings. Is there a stain / finish / and or technique that I can use to make the rings more uniform in color and make the handle more pleasing to the eyes? Thanks!

Cork is a natural product and the differences in color and shade variations are some of the things that make a really well done cork beautiful. Uniformity of shading would be considered by some as a detriment. If you are interested in blending shades together consider the the use of Cork Seal. It will do a light darkening and improve the service of the cork pieces. If you want to stain and seal the Walnut Stain and True Oil and Conditioner by Casey True Oil will give a more consistant appearance. This treatment will result in very dark areas where the cork was sealed with filler before turning. If you do not like any of the above you can flock and give the cork just about any appearance you want. Custom Rod - You Can Customize Just About Any Appearance You or Your Customer Desires!

Gon

Bill brings up a good point about the natural variation of the cork. Besides that, once the rod is used a time or two, you'll have the same shade of grime over the entire grip. That usually takes care of any random differences in color.

Other than that, you have to go the other direction - bleaching the rings so that all are a uniform cream/white color. But, it's not going to last beyond the first use.

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Tom and Bill are correct in their statements about cork. What I do when I run into a color shade problem. I work out a pattern in the color shades of the cork . like alternating shdes of the cork light ,dark, light drak or putting a dark cork at each end and then putting a couple in the center of the handle. Once they are glued in place and shaped. I finish off by burishing the cork rings at a high speed with one of my wifes old nylon stockings. When this is done I give it a coat of cork sealer
Good Wraps Bob