As a beginner the questions just keep piling up. Most of these should only need a one or two word answer. Thanks for the help.

1. Does burl cork have pits that need to be filled like cheap natural cork?

2. Does Lamar exotic burl have pits that need to be filled like cheap natural cork?

3. Can guides finished with Permagloss be removed and refinished like guides that use epoxy?

4. What would work as a solvent for Permagloss?

5. What would work as a solvent for Rod Bond?

6. Is burl or exotic burl durable enough to be used as a butt cap?

7. How closely does Laguna colored exotic burl cork match the color and visual texture of natural cork?

Thanks for any and all help.

Patrick Rutledge

1. NO, the small pits are why you use it
2. NO, the small pits are why you use it
3. Yes / a little different process but basically the same.
4. Dries to fast for any kind of solvent, after it dries nothing.
5. Before it cures clean up with a paper towel, if you need it cleaner use a little alcohol.
6. Yes and NO, yes if not used as a drum stick, No if used as a drum stick.
7. Doesn't, that's why it is used for accent pieces or as complete handle.

1: Burl doesn't have as many pits. It's a natural deformity resulting in tighter, more figured grain (natural burl). However, shaping with the wrong tool for the job can rip small chunks out, and if they are deep enough that you can't sand them out, you may have to fill.

2: Lamar Exotic burl is a composite and has no pits. Again though, same applies as in #1: shaping with progressive grit is key to a smooth surface.

3: Guides finished with Permagloss are removed the same way, but the stuff is tough as @#$%&, and it's a touch more difficult (with thread). With a threadless wrap, I don't know how easy or hard it can be.

4: Permagloss already has a solvent carrier for the urethane. It moisture cures. If you are talking about a solvent to remove PG, I wouldn't recommend it. Such solvents are very harsh chemicals, and would probably not be good for you or the rod blank.

5: Rod Bond is an epoxy adhesive. I assume you think you need a solvent to remove it. No, you don't. It's tough stuff, but takes a long time to cure, so you have plenty of time for cleanup, adjustment, and even removal if it comes to it. Regular denatured alcohol is sufficient for cleanup before it cures.

6: Both burls can be used as end caps, but natural burl can chip if used. Exotic burl is much tougher, and completely fine. If you do go this route I suggest sealing with Cork Seal or Tru-Oil. Both will darken, seal and toughen the cork surface.

7: Laguna burl is darker than natural cork, and has a completely different grain. Nothing a like in shade or visual structure.

Hope this helps Patrick.
Best regards,

Ted Morgan

Thanks for the answers Tim and Ted. Some of them I was pretty sure about like questions 1 and 2 but its nice to actually hear someone say it. I wanted to know about a solvent for Permagloss to clean the applicator brush. I'd been saving those questions for a while. Thanks for the help.

Patrick Rutledge

To clean your brushes after using Permagloss use epoxy brush cleaner sold by several of our sponsers on the left.

To clean permigloss you could also use laquer thinner from home depot.

Thanks for everyone's help. I now just have to decide what I want to do for the grip (color and style).

Patrick Rutledge