Bill Falconer has provided a photo and information about another source for foam grip blanks in the Photo section. It is worthwhile information if you are contemplating turning your own foam grips but hesitant about manufacturing your own.

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

Thanks, Stan. Meaning absolutely no offense to anyone anywhere, in my opinion this graphite stuff is actually superior to the pour foam or any other existing arbors out there in my opinion. The only two drawbacks I am aware of are:

1) Cost - they may work out to be slightly more than pouring your own urethane foam grips but are a lot less work and don't require the significant up front investment in pour foam (which is only available in bulk if you aim to pour your own).
2) Hardness - this is a pro and a con. These things are hard enough (as you pointed out) that they do just fine as a grip material on their own. I like to turn them to final diameter with 220 grit and then hit them ever so briefly with 100 grit or 80 grit just to texture them up for grip. They are harder to turn than urethane foam, cork and EVA , though. More like Andy's Exotic Burl cork. I recommend lathe chisels or coarse files for rough shaping and I have my best luck on a 5/16" or heavier turning mandrel (1/4" flexes too much). Sand paper will work but it will take a while unless you go coarse.

I know Andy is selling the pour foam in sticks or blocks both bored or unbored but don't know the cost yet. I have ordered some from Bingham so that I can compare them to my finished home made pour foam to see how I am doing compared to factory poured. I think mine are more porous but not sure why. Anyway, investigate all options and find what you like. But these arbor 'blanks' are awesome in my opinion. I got mine from Bob McKamey at Custom Tackle - not even sure who makes them. But they are not new so I'm sure any of the sponsors at left can get them.

Good luck and see you all in High Point in February.

Bill

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Is the graphite more prone to chipping or shattering than foam?

No - you cannot chip it. Period.

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Excuse me, I thought you were talking about the skins. The urethane foam cores aren't prone to chipping, and absolutey cannot chip under any normal fishing circumstances once you skin them.

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