For you experienced and more particular fly rod builders out there... I am in the middle of my first attempt at shaping two, flor-grade cork, small fly rod handles. The cork is of very good quality and so far shows minimal need for any filler. Nevertheless, I wanted some input as to what I need to do to make well-finished, "top-shelf" handles:

What have you found to be the best quality putty filler?

Is it necessary to apply a cork finish whether or not you end up using a filler?

If that is your preference, what cork finishing product do you recommend for a custom cork handle? Thanks again!

Peter
When ever possible, I avoid the use of any putty or filler. Any putty or filler - no matter the method or type, will eventually fail after use.
So, if you can work with near perfect cork - which is getting increasingly hard do to in the days of current cork quality - avoid adding any filler.

I also would rather not add any finish or preserver over the cork as well. I prefer the natural feel that you get with a highy smoothed cork finish on high quality cork.

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If I have to use a filler, I tend to use Elmers light oak putty. It is a near perfect match for most cork and is a product that is easy to work with.

If you have to use a finish, I prefer to use the u-40 cork seal product. It also is an excellent product and easy to work with.

Take care
Roger

I second all of the points that Roger covered. Any filler used will make it look like it was "filled."

Ditto, what Roger said.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

If you have to use a cork filler, Pit Paste is the best cork filler you will find. Ask any of the sponsors on the left side if they carry Roddancer products.

I got some Pit past and like it.

Bill - willierods.com

Elmer's Lt. oak if ABSOLUTELY necessary, and U-40 Cork Sealer.

I build fly rods almost exclusively. I t seems that fly fisherman are more picky about the cork in their grips then others.
I usually use the best grade I can get and if I need to fill I use Elmers light oak like others suggest.
The only sealer I use is to cove the grip in heat shrink plastic to keep it clean for delivery.
I put it on as soon as the grip is shaped so my grubby mitts don't mess it up.

golden oak for me when I use it.

The golden Oak that is in my Home Depot is a non hardening type ?? Came in the little jar. Thta ia why I went to the pit past.

Bill - willierods.com

Bill,
Go back to Home Depot and get the Elmers filler in light Oak.
This comes in a tube about 6 inches high.

I think you will be happy with it. It sets up nicely in a farily short time. If you need to clean up, the use of acetone - used carefully - will take care of the filler.

Roger

I have no idea why you would suggest a harsh chemical like acetone to clean up a wood filler when plain water or even alcohol would do just as good a job as anything else and not cause any potential harm to yourself. I just don't understand the use of harsh chemicals when it's not necessary.

I use acetone on a very limited basis only when absolutely necessary. 90% of my cleanup is done with water and alcohol.

Lance

Lance,
Simply because for this particular product, Acetone works much much better than alchol or water or any combination of the two.

I use the filler to go over the handle, paying attention to any of the deep pits, etc. But there is always a build up, that needs to be there to accomodate shrinkage etc.

Then, I put the handle in the lathe and spin it with an acetone dampened rag. This does a wonderful job of cleaning up the handle and insuring that you have a good job, with no sandpaper which changes the contour and finish of the handle.

If you use either water or alchol - in this application, you end up digging the filler back out of the pits. Just my experience.

When I am doing this, I am doing it out of doors with a high speed fan blowing across the handle and acetone so that I am not breathing in any fumes with my respirator on.

If you have another method, great.

Roger