I would like to learn how to build carbon fiber grips. Can someone point me in the right direction on where to start?

S D M F

Here is where they were unveiled to the custom rod building craft: RodMaker Magazine Volume 10 #6. A subsequent article on another method for sleeving them appeared in Volume 11 #4.

In a nutshell, you are using carbon fiber sleeving to skin an underlying grip of either foam (carbon foam grips first appeared in Volume 10 #6) or cork. This is accomplished with the use of a wetting epoxy on the skin and a final protective outer layer of urethane (some use epoxy) on top of the skin.

It's not hard, but there are some procedures you should be aware of.

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In all seriousness, Derec, almost anything you want to learn or any rod building technique you see on the \'net came from one of these- [rodmakermagazine.com]

I have no business connection with the mag at all. But compared to the little bits and pieces you can pick up on the \'net the mag articles are very complete and go into great details with great photos. In the long run it may be cheaper to get the original and researched information than to stumble and stagger through the processes. You can waste a lot of materials if you don\'t start with good info.

I will also mention that MIke at Riley Rods has most of the stuff to get going with for carbon fiber grips.

Mike and Vikki Pedersen of Riley Rods were at the expo and they can hook you up. They are listed on the left in the sponsor column. I bought from them and they are great to work with. My experience with the foam and carbon fiber is that it is lighter more durable and less expensive to use. I love the rods I have the carbon on and so do my customers.

Craig
Back River Rods



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/08/2009 02:21PM by Craig Freeman.

Derec;
Tom and Peter have given you the best advice.
I had actually purchased the materials before the article because I had been up at Mr Kirkman’s shop and seen what he was able to do with the stuff.
But did not actually start working with it until I had read the article (was not planned that way just worked out to be so) But if I had started with the ideas of how I thought things should be done. I would have wasted much money and material redoing what would have been wrong, screwed up, or less then satisfactory results.
I too suggest spending the money to get your hands on the past issues to get a good start in the right direction. It will be cheaper in the long run and lead to a lot less frustration.

I just ordered a copy of Volume 10 #6, thanks for the help.

What Tom, Peter and Steve said.

Riley Rods-Hard Core Grips to Go!-----Carbon Fiber - Composite Grip Store-----Capt Mike's Blog-----No Excuses Fishing Charters

I just ordered one to, after seeing the Riley's Rod page. That's some cool stuff!!

can you put carbon fiber grip directly on a bare blank or it is too soft and wouldn't protect the blank one bit?

It's not soft, it's as hard as the blank.

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[www.rodbuilding.org]

directly to blank

Riley Rods-Hard Core Grips to Go!-----Carbon Fiber - Composite Grip Store-----Capt Mike's Blog-----No Excuses Fishing Charters