For years I have constructed my cork handles directly on the blank and then turned with the blank. I have gotten away from this technique after using Andy's mandrels. Recently I have been building some rods with blanks that are just over 3/4" OD at the butt. After turning the cork handles on the lathe, reaming the handle to fit the blank is becoming difficult because of the very thin walls. When trim rings of varying compositions are used it feels like everything is just going to come apart when reaming. Should I go back to assembling these directly on the blank when using larger diameter blanks? The rear grips are 14" in length and I build them in two 7" pieces just to make it easier. Just wanted some opinions.

Thanks,
Jeff Leonard

I just hand ream the grip very carefully. I also like reaming a shorter section if the grip is longer than 10 inches or so. Welcome.

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.

Jeff,

I do the same, just carefully ream then and roll with it.

DR