I just bought some bulk graphite tubing that looks kind of like carbon fiber from Jann's Netcraft. My main concern is the finish, it is not smooth, am I supposed to or can I put some sort of finish like permagloss or a lite coat of threadmaster lite. Maybe spray the grip with a coat of the same finish that I use on my blanks.

I also wonder if anybody has used this stuff before and what they think of it, and if you have any tips about using it. I think I saw some pieces that are supposed to be used with it to finish off the ends and to make them fit to a reel seat, but I don't really understand those parts yet, so hopefully I can get some help on that too.

I have included a link of the page where I got the tubing from because there is a picture of it just in case you know it as something else or if you are not sure what I am talking about. [www.jannsnetcraft.com]

Thanks for your help everyone.
James

James,

I remember seeing the stuff in the catalog, and it sparked my attention for use as a Tennessee handle for spinning rods. I think Netcraft sells the bushings to cut and form cork ends and internal bushings for a Tennessee handle. As far as using them to mate with a reel seat, you will probably have to shape them a little. If the ID and OD are similar to the tubing that Batson Enterprises has (really, I can't see them being all that different), you may be able to use some of the EVA and proof board bushings that they have.

I would think that you could use a finish, such as is suggested for the carbon fiber sleeving as a finish, as the spray on variety may be a little easier to deal with in that case.

Joe

Actually, it is the same tubing as the batson stuff, just on closeout. The bushings that I am getting to finish off the ends and stuff are the ones that batson sells with their tubing. I don't plan on using it as a Tennessee handle, instead it is just going to be a super lite full length casting grip.

And thanks, I think that I will go ahead and use the spray finish on it.

James

If you think that tubing is going to give you a super light full length casting grip you need to get a scale. It will make a nice handle but it will be considerably heavier than many other options, including plain cork. Polyurethane foam cores with a carbon fiber skin are much lighter, and you can shape it into more comfortable shapes than just a straight tube.

I will definately weigh it, I had not done so yet, but it felt pretty light compared to the same length of cork. As far as the foam and carbon fiber skin, I just recently found out about them and I will be getting some from a supplier, Riley Rods, after the expo.
James

James you can finish it if you choose. But it is not necessary to do so, will work great just as it is with out any challenges.
And depending on how its done the end result can be lighter then cork

Steve, I was hoping that it would be as light if not lighter, but I think that I ruined any chance of that by putting on a few good coats of finish. I really wish I had weighed it before and after. The few places that I have found the stuff it was just so expensive that when I found it for this cheap I could not pass it up, worth some experimenting anyways. Thanks for your input everyone.
James

James, what kind of spray finish do you use ?

Bill - willierods.com

The automotive platicote that is sold at autozone and checkers.
James