I want to make some fighting butts with 1/4" - 1/2" thick undrilled EVA foam. I saw some rings at Mudhole but they are no longer available. What do you guys use? If it comes in a square sheet does it turn well on a lathe (can you sand it)? I just think the black EVA foam would contrast with blue cork better than composite cork.

I'm guessing you didn't read the RodMaker article on the half-round ball butts.

Try some pet or kids EVA toy balls, cut in half, for round ends on cork or EVA fighting butts. More ideas and "how-to" were in the article but this should get you started with the idea.

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

Steve,

Merrick Tackle has sheets of what you are looking for. If you don't have a commerical account you should be able to get thru ACK Fishing (both board sponsers). I'm sure some of the other sponsers have the same, you will have to look at there sites. The stuff at Merrick/Ack seems to be denser than the stuff you get at local hobby shop. Yes, it turns very easy on the lathe (using sandpaper).

Hank
On The Rocks Fishing
Wells, ME.

The Merrick Moosekin® is an exclusive tradmarked product and Hank is correct it is denser than other EVA grips you may come across. There is some EVA foam that is so soft you can actually feel the rod blank moving inside it. We've got a new Camo color also. I think it's being called Midnight Camo. It's black with grey "Camo" spots. It's really sharp looking if your not crazy about the brighter colors.

Also as Hank mentioned, if you do not have a wholesale license, we sell it, otherwise contact Merrick. We've got undrilled square blocks, strips and preformed grips with 1/2", 5/8", and 3/4" IDs. Follow this link for an idea of the colors and sizes. The Camo isn't listed yet nor are the blocks, or strips as I am still working on the webpage. You will also find the prices to be quite reasonable.

[www.ackfishing.com]

Feel free to call toll free 866-285-0673, or e-mail me at pmaltby@ackfishing.com if you have any questions.

Peter Maltby
ACK Fishing & Tackle
866-285-0673