Any tips or special things I should know about shaping a burl cork grip (the diameter is too big) already installed on a rod? I normally use pre-done grips, so I don't build rings and shape them, so I'm in the dark here.

I have a high speed motor and jig to turn the rod.

I would start with 80 grit drywall mesh abrasive until I got within an eigth of the diameter I wanted and then continue incrementally down to 320 grit. At that point you may wish to sand a bit finer or you may be satisfied with the surface you have. The burl should sand down easily so check your diameter often.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

One more thing Save as much of your cork dust as possible. If you get a hole or gouge in your cork mix your cork dust with some glue and use as a filler

I would forget about your motor and jig setup unless it is very stable. I know a guy who used to visit this board who shapes grips by hand without any turning apparatus and was very happy with the results. It'd be like sculpting with sandpaper. Your grip won't be perfectly concentric though of course.

Josh Markvan
www.markvanheirloom.com